Lifespan of Roof Rats and Norway Rats
What Is The Lifespan of Roof Rats and Norway Rats? Why A Rat’s Lifespan Matters for Homeowners Understanding the lifespan of rats is crucial in assessing how long they can be a problem in and around your home. While it varies slightly between species, there are some general patterns. Roof Rats (Rattus rattus): Lifespan: Roof rats, also known as black rats, typically live 9-12 months in the wild. Their lives are often cut short due to predation, disease, or traps. In captivity, they can live up to 2-3 years if provided with ideal conditions. Environment: Roof rats prefer high places like attics, trees, and rooftops, which can make them particularly problematic for homeowners in urban or suburban areas. These rats are highly agile and are known for climbing, which sets them apart from Norway rats. Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus): Lifespan: Norway rats, also known as brown rats or sewer rats, have a slightly shorter lifespan, averaging 1-2 years in the wild. Like roof rats, their lives are usually shortened by predators, disease, and human intervention (such as traps and poison). In controlled environments, Norway rats can live up to 3 years. Environment: Unlike roof rats, Norway rats prefer ground-level environments like basements, sewers, and burrows. They tend to be more aggressive and larger than roof rats, with males often growing up to 16 inches long (tail included). Breeding Habits and Reproductive Speed One of the most alarming aspects of rat populations is their ability to breed at an astonishing rate. If you think you have a rodent problem now, just waitâit can get much worse. Rats have adapted to reproduce quickly, ensuring the survival of their species even in the most challenging environments. Breeding Frequency Roof Rats: Roof rats reach sexual maturity around 3-4 months of age. A single female can produce a litter of 6-12 pups every 3 weeks under ideal conditions, meaning a single female could theoretically give birth to over 100 offspring in a year. Norway Rats: Norway rats are similar, but they tend to be a bit more prolific. They mature at about 2-3 months and can produce up to 7 litters per year, each containing around 6-12 pups. In optimal conditions, a single pair of rats can produce up to 1,000 offspring in just one year, considering how quickly their offspring can start reproducing as well. Rapid Population Growth The ability of both roof rats and Norway rats to reproduce quickly is one reason why infestations can spiral out of control so rapidly. A single pair of rats can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation if they are left unchecked, especially since rats donât need much to thriveâfood, water, and shelter are enough. Letâs break down just how fast this can happen: Month 1: A pair of rats is already living in your home or business. Month 2-3: Those rats reach sexual maturity and begin producing offspring. Now you have 2-4 new rats in the population. Month 6: The original pair and their offspring are now producing multiple litters, and the population could have grown exponentially, with upwards of 50-100 rats in just a matter of months. Month 12: At this point, your rat population could be in the hundreds, all coming from just one pair of rats. This rapid growth is what makes early intervention so critical. Interesting Case Studies: How Fast Rat Populations Can Grow San Franciscoâs Rat Problem: A 2018 report by the San Francisco Department of Public Health revealed that the city had a major rat population problem, particularly along its waterfront and in public transportation areas. In some parts of the city, rat populations were growing by 10-15% each year due to abundant food sources (including garbage) and warm, accessible places for shelter. If left unchecked, populations in urban environments like this can increase exponentially, overwhelming local pest control efforts. The 2014 Norwood Infestation in the UK: In 2014, a major rat infestation was reported in Norwood, a suburban area in the UK. It was estimated that the rat population had increased by more than 30% in a year due to increased food waste from fast-food outlets and homes. Despite local authorities setting traps and using poisons, the sheer reproductive capacity of the rats meant that the problem took longer to manage than expected. Case Study in Californiaâs Agriculture: In Californiaâs agricultural regions, where rats are known to damage crops, a study conducted by UC Davis found that rat populations could increase by 50% every year. With access to food and shelter, Norway rats especially can devastate an entire field in a matter of months, eating grains, chewing on irrigation systems, and contaminating stored food products. Why Immediate Action Is Important The lifespan and reproductive speed of rats make early detection and intervention essential. If you spot signs of a rat infestationâchewing marks, droppings, gnawing sounds in the walls, or even sightings of rats themselvesâitâs crucial to act quickly. Because of their rapid reproduction, a small infestation today can become a major problem in just a few months. The longer rats are allowed to live and breed on your property, the harder it will be to eliminate them. Why Professional Pest Control Is Key Given their incredible reproductive rate and the difficulty of completely eliminating a rat population on your own, itâs always a good idea to consult with a pest control professional. Experts understand rat behavior, know how to use traps and rodenticides effectively, and can locate and seal entry points that you might miss. They also provide regular monitoring to ensure the infestation doesnât reoccur. In addition to pest control, professionals can help you reduce the environmental factors that attract rats, such as garbage, clutter, and potential food sources. Conclusion Rats, particularly roof rats and Norway rats, have adapted to thrive in many environments. Their lifespans of 1-2 years, coupled with their fast reproduction rates, make them a significant threat to both residential and commercial properties. The potential for rapid population growth means that early detection and
How to Properly Use Exterior Rodent Bait Stations: A Guide to Effective Pest Control
How to Properly Use Exterior Rodent Bait Stations: A Guide to Effective Pest Control Rodent control is a crucial aspect of maintaining a clean and healthy environment, whether it’s your home, business, or property. Mice, rats, and other rodents can cause extensive damage to structures, wires, insulation, and crops, and they pose serious health risks due to their ability to transmit diseases. One of the most effective ways to manage rodent populations around your property is by using exterior rodent bait stations. But how can you ensure you’re using them properly? Let’s dive into the essentials of rodent bait stations, why they are necessary, where to place them, the different types of rodenticides available, and why itâs best to leave the installation and monitoring to professionals. Why Exterior Rodent Bait Stations are Necessary Rodent bait stations serve as an efficient and controlled method to reduce rodent activity around your home or business. These stations contain rodenticidesâchemicals designed to kill rodentsâthat are placed in a secure, tamper-resistant box to minimize risk to non-target animals and children. Rodents often thrive in outdoor environments, especially near food sources, waste disposal areas, or even in secluded corners of a yard. Without effective control, they can cause widespread destruction, such as chewing through electrical wires, insulation, and pipes. Exterior bait stations are an essential part of proactive rodent control because they help to: Prevent Rodent Infestations: A well-placed bait station prevents rodents from entering buildings in the first place. Target Outdoor Rodent Populations: These stations help control rats and mice outdoors before they can make their way inside. Offer Long-Lasting Protection: They keep bait available around the clock, allowing for continuous rodent control without frequent monitoring. Proper Placement of Rodent Bait Stations The placement of rodent bait stations is key to ensuring their effectiveness. If placed incorrectly, rodents may ignore the bait, or worse, they may find alternative food sources that make the bait station redundant. Here are some tips for proper placement: Along Rodent Pathways: Place bait stations along common rodent routes such as fence lines, near dumpsters, under bushes, or in dark, sheltered corners of your yard. Rodents tend to move along these predictable routes, so positioning the bait in their path will increase the likelihood of consumption. Near Food or Water Sources: Rodents are attracted to food and water, so placing bait stations close to these sources makes them more appealing. This could be around outdoor trash bins, pet food dishes, or areas where water collects. Secure, Hidden Locations: Make sure bait stations are not easily accessible to pets, children, or wildlife. They should be placed on stable ground or secured to avoid being moved around by wind, animals, or human interference. In Conjunction with Regular Monitoring: While bait stations provide long-term control, they need to be checked and refilled regularly to ensure their continued effectiveness. Different Types of Rodenticides (Formicides) Rodent baits come in several different formulations, each designed for specific conditions or preferences of rodents. These types of rodenticides are primarily divided into two categories: acute and chronic. Anticoagulants (Chronic): These are the most common type of rodenticide and work by preventing the blood from clotting, eventually causing internal bleeding that leads to the rodent’s death. They take several days to take effect, which means that rodents continue to feed on the bait for a while before succumbing to its effects. The advantage is that rodents tend to die in their nests, which reduces the risk of finding dead bodies in open areas. Some of the most common anticoagulants include: Bromadiolone Brodifacoum Difenacoum Neurotoxicants (Acute): These are faster-acting baits that affect the nervous system, causing death within a few hours to a few days. They are more toxic than anticoagulants but often come with the downside of increased risk to non-target animals. Neurotoxicants are commonly used in severe infestations where quicker results are necessary. Examples include: Bromethalin Cholecalciferol Other Rodenticides: While less commonly used, there are other rodenticide options available, such as zinc phosphide, which releases toxic gas when ingested. It is primarily used in agricultural settings where rapid rodent population control is necessary. The Importance of Rodent Bait Stations Rodent bait stations are essential for several reasons: Safety: They reduce the risks of exposure to toxic rodenticides for pets, children, and wildlife by containing the bait in a secure, tamper-resistant unit. Efficiency: Bait stations are effective at attracting rodents, even in areas where food sources are scarce. Discreetness: They can be placed in unobtrusive locations, offering pest control without disrupting your propertyâs appearance. Reduced Risk of Resistance: When used as part of an integrated pest management strategy, rodent bait stations can help reduce the development of resistance to rodenticides. Innovative Sewer Assassin Technology: Targeting Plumbing In some regions, rodents have become particularly adept at infiltrating buildings through underground plumbing and sewer systems. A new development in rodent control is the Sewer Assassin system, which targets rodents at their most invasiveâthrough the sewer and plumbing lines. This technology involves bait stations placed in plumbing pipes to deliver rodenticides directly to rodents living in these hard-to-reach areas. The Sewer Assassin system is particularly beneficial for businesses, large residential properties, and municipal buildings where rats have been known to cause significant structural and health-related damage by invading plumbing systems. By placing bait in plumbing areas, pest control professionals can significantly reduce rodent populations in these critical zones. Why Itâs Best to Leave Rodent Control to Professionals While exterior rodent bait stations can be highly effective, proper use and monitoring require expertise. Hereâs why itâs best to leave rodent control to trained pest management professionals: Correct Placement: Pest control experts know where to place bait stations for maximum effectiveness, and they can evaluate your property for potential rodent entry points that may not be immediately obvious to homeowners. Regulations and Safety: Professionals are well-versed in the local regulations surrounding the use of rodenticides. They ensure that baits are applied safely, minimizing risks to pets, children, and non-target wildlife. Knowledge of Rodent Behavior:
Why Do I Still Have Rats?
Why Do I Still Have Rat Problems? Youâve heard the scratching. Youâve seen the droppings. Maybe youâve even hired a pest control company alreadyâyet the rats keep coming back. Itâs a frustrating, unsettling problem, and youâre not alone. But the question remains: why do you still have rats? The truth is, rat infestations are often more complicated than people realize. Let’s break it down. You Might Be Creating Your Own Problem We get itâlife gets busy. But rats are opportunists. Any accessible food, water, or shelter can attract them. That forgotten dog bowl outside, the overflowing garbage can, or even a cluttered garage can be an open invitation. Sanitation is your first line of defense. If food and water sources are readily available, no amount of trapping will solve the issue. Rats will simply return, again and again. Not All Pest Control Is Created Equal Hereâs something many people donât realize: pest control professionals often specializeâjust like doctors. You wouldnât visit a podiatrist for heart surgery. So why hire a generalist PMP (pest management professional) to solve a complex rodent issue? Rat control isnât just about setting traps. It takes deep knowledge, investigative skill, and a sharp eye for exclusionâthe art of identifying and sealing off every single entry point rats might be using. If your PMP isnât trained or experienced in exclusions, they may miss critical vulnerabilities, leaving your home open to reinfestation. The Hidden Culprit: Your Plumbing System One of the most overlooked entry points for rats? Your plumbing system. Most peopleâand even many PMPsâdonât consider that rats can come up through the sewer. Yes, you read that right. Rats are agile swimmers, capable of navigating through flooded pipes, sewer lines, and even the U-bend of your toilet to enter your home. Old or damaged cast iron pipes, degraded seals, and vent stacks without proper screening can create invisible on-ramps from the sewer into your walls, attics, and basements. Historically, when PMPs suspected plumbing entry points, theyâd say, âCall a plumber.â That often meant more cost, more confusion, and more delaysâwith no guarantees of success. Enter the Sewer Assassin Today, top-tier PMPs no longer have to guessâor outsource. With the Sewer Assassin, pest professionals can now inspect, monitor, and control rat activity coming from the sewer system themselves. No more waiting on plumbers. No more speculation. This tool is a game-changer for rat control in homes and businesses alike. Using smoke testing, physical barriers, and bait station monitoring designed specifically for sewer lines, PMPs can confirm if rats are using your pipes as a secret highwayâand do something about it. Final Thoughts Still have rats? Ask yourself: Have all food and water sources been eliminated? Have all structural entry points been professionally sealed? Has your plumbing system been inspected as a possible access point? Is your pest control provider truly specialized in ratsâand capable of exclusions? If the answer is no to any of the above, it may be time to bring in someone who knows how to think like a ratâand block every possible path. Rats are persistent. But with the right tools, knowledge, and commitment to exclusionâincluding plumbingâthe problem can be solved, and the Sewer Assassin is helping lead that charge. Itâs the worlds first and best rodent bait station to combat rats coming into homes and business, originating from the sewer system. Order Now
Rodents in the U.S.: Species, Habitats, and Control Strategies
Rodents in the U.S.: Species, Habitats, and Control Strategies Rodents are one of the most diverse and adaptable groups of mammals in the United States. While many live peacefully in wild habitats, others have become major urban pests, damaging property, spreading disease, and contaminating food supplies. Understanding the types of rodents common in the U.S., their natural and urban behaviors, and how to control them is critical for homeowners, property managers, and pest control professionals alike. Common Rodent Species in the U.S. 1. Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Also known as brown rats or sewer rats, Norway rats are the most common and destructive rodent in urban areas. They’re large, with blunt noses, small ears, and coarse brown fur. Originally from Asia, they now thrive throughout the U.S. Natural Habitat: Fields, riverbanks, burrows. Urban Habitat: Basements, sewers, garbage piles, under buildings. Behaviors: Excellent burrowers and swimmers, they often nest underground and near food sources. 2. Roof Rats (Rattus rattus) Also called black rats, these are sleeker and more agile than Norway rats. They have long tails and tend to nest above ground. Natural Habitat: Coastal regions, agricultural areas. Urban Habitat: Attics, rafters, trees, upper floors of buildings (most recently found in sewers). Behaviors: Climbers by nature, they often infest areas above the ground and are known for contaminating stored food. 3. Pack Rats (Neotoma spp.) Also known as woodrats, these rodents are known for their habit of collecting shiny or interesting objects. They are common in the southwestern U.S. Natural Habitat: Deserts, forests, rocky crevices. Urban Habitat: Sheds, garages, attics, and cars. Behaviors: Solitary nest builders. Their nests, called middens, can become breeding grounds for parasites and disease. 4. Kangaroo Rats (Dipodomys spp.)> Not actually rats in the traditional sense, kangaroo rats are named for their powerful hind legs and hopping movements. These native rodents are not pests but are important parts of desert ecosystems. Natural Habitat: Arid deserts and sandy plains in the Southwest. Urban Habitat: Rarely venture into cities or homes. Behaviors: Nocturnal seed and insect collectors. Tunneling rodents, Play a vital role in seed dispersal and soil health. Rodents in Urban Settings Urban environments provide an abundance of food, shelter, and water for rodents. Aging infrastructure, neglected sanitation, and structural vulnerabilities make cities ideal for infestations. Rodents can access buildings through sewer systems, cracks in foundations, gaps in doors and vents, and even plumbing linesâespecially in older neighborhoods. Signs of infestation include: Droppings Gnaw marks Nesting materials Scratching noises in walls or ceilings Visual sightings, especially during the day Rodent Control Strategies Effective rodent control requires an integrated approach, often referred to as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This includes: Inspection The first and most important step is identifying the source of the problem. Trained pest management professionals (PMPs) should inspect for: Entry points Food and water sources Droppings and urine trails Harborages and nesting sites Determine if infestation is plumbing related. Exclusion Prevent access by sealing up holes, gaps, and cracks. Use materials such as steel wool, copper mesh, and concrete. Install door sweeps, repair screens, and maintain structural integrity. This includes all plumbing inside the structure. Sanitation Remove all food and water sources. Clean up spills, store food in rodent-proof containers, and eliminate standing water. Declutter indoor and outdoor areas to reduce shelter opportunities. Trapping and Baiting Snap traps, glue boards, and live traps are effective for monitoring and reducing populations. In sewers or hard-to-access areas, specialized bait stations like the Sewer Assassin can confirm rodent entry through plumbingâa route often overlooked. Rodenticides can be effective but must be used carefully due to risks to non-target animals and secondary poisoning. Always follow label directions and consider professional application. Monitoring and Follow-Up Rodent control isnât a one-time fix. It requires ongoing monitoring, adjustments to control strategies, and continued exclusion and sanitation efforts. Conclusion Rodents are a diverse and resilient group of animals that can thrive in both wild and urban environments. Whether it’s kangaroo rats hopping through deserts or Norway rats swimming through sewers, each species has adapted impressively to its surroundings. But when these animals enter our homes, businesses, or infrastructure, they become more than a nuisanceâthey become a threat to health and safety. By understanding their behaviors and implementing comprehensive control strategies, we can protect our spaces from rodent infestations and the damage they bring. Order Now
How Long Can Rats Hold Their Breath?
How Long Can Rats Hold Their Breath? Most brown rats (Norway and roof rats) can stay underwater for roughly 90 seconds to about 3 minutes before they must surface. Laboratory studies that forcibly submerged untrained rats found survival limits of â2 minutes pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov while pest-control field guides and observations in sewers consistently quote an operational window of 2â3 minutes pallash.com . Those figures are enough time for a rat to swim the U-bend of a household toilet or negotiate a flooded stretch of pipe, explaining why plumbers and pest managers so often meet âsurprise swimmers.â Where the Numbers Come From Classic physiology experiments Early work by Irving (1939) measured the maximum forced dive of lab rats at ~120 s, far shorter than true aquatic mammals but far longer than most terrestrial rodents pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Modern cardio-respiratory data In untrained adult Sprague-Dawley rats, involuntary submersion for 90â100 s produced extreme hypoxia and acidosis but was still survivable, with heart rate plummeting from ~460 to ~106 beats min-š pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Field and pest-control observations Field technicians regularly report sewer rats remaining submerged âabout three minutes,â a figure echoed in industry guides and consumer fact sheets pestreaction.com a-z-animals.com. The Physiology Behind the Feat Mammalian diving reflex. As soon as water hits the face, trigeminal-nerve input triggers bradycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction, shunting oxygenated blood to heart and brain while conserving lung stores en.wikipedia.org. Selective oxygen delivery. Studies show rats can cut cardiac output to less-vital tissues by ~50 % during dives, sparing precious Oâ for the CNS pallash.com. Rapid heart-rate suppression. Within two seconds of submersion, HR can fall 75 % and remain suppressed until resurfacing, dramatically reducing oxygen demand pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Tolerant metabolism. Rats can tolerate arterial COâ spikes and blood-pH drops that would incapacitate many mammals, buying extra seconds underwater pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Why Duration Varies Factor Effect on breath-hold Notes Training / habituation â Duration Voluntarily diving or sewer-dwelling rats outperform naĂŻve lab animals. Body size & age â Size â longer Larger lung volume and blood Oâ stores. Water temperature â Cold water Faster heat loss and metabolic stress. Stress & restraint â Duration Forced dives end sooner than voluntary ones. Extraordinary Outliers Naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber). Not a true Rattus, but worth mentioning: it can survive 18 minutes with zero oxygen by switching to fructose-based anaerobic glycolysis science.org theatlantic.com. That is a survival without breathing, not a breath-hold; common rats lack this pathway. Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). A semi-aquatic rodent that routinely reaches 12 minutes underwaterâsix times a ratâs limit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov âillustrating how specialized divers differ. Myths Versus Measured Reality Claim Verdict Evidence Rats hold their breath 5 minutes Unlikely No peer-reviewed study exceeds 2â3 min; 5 min appears anecdotal. They can tread water for three days Plausible Endurance swimming (head above water) is a separate feat; anecdotal but consistent in field reports rejectrats.com. Flushing will drown a rat Usually false A toiletâs U-bend trap is < 30 cm and navigable in < 10 sâwell inside the 3-min window. Practical Take-Homes for Pest Management Plumbing matters. Because a rat can remain submerged longer than it takes to traverse most water-filled barriers, physical exclusion devices (e.g., one-way sewer valves or the Sewer Assassin bait station) are more reliable than simply filling traps with water. Rapid inspections count. Fresh droppings or smear marks near floor drains often mean the animal used plumbing as an entry routeâverify with smoke tests or camera scopes before sealing. Sanitation still rules. Limited food and water inside a building discourage adventurous dives in the first place. Key Takeaways Typical limit: 90 s â 3 min for Norway and roof rats. Physiology: Diving reflex, bradycardia, and selective blood flow conserve oxygen. Variability: Training, size, temperature, and stress all matter. Extreme rodents: Naked mole-rat (18 min without Oâ) and muskrat (12 min dives) show what specialized adaptations can achieve. Implications: A three-minute breath-hold is more than enough for a rat to negotiate toilets, flooded traps, or short sewer segmentsâso plan your exclusion strategy accordingly. Order Now
Rats in Texas Plumbing: Incidents, Challenges, and Solutions Recent Incidents of Rats Emerging from Toilets in Texas
Rats in Texas Plumbing: Incidents, Challenges, and Solutions Recent Incidents of Rats Emerging from Toilets in Texas Texas has seen its share of nightmare rat encounters via plumbing. In one viral 2023 incident, a woman in Austin discovered two live rats climbing out of her toilet just minutes after moving into a new apartment distractify.com. Video of the encounter (posted to TikTok) showed a rat perched on the toilet bowl, soon joined by a second one emerging from the drain â prompting the horrified renter to flee distractify.comdistractify.com. This shocking episode underscored that the urban legend of âtoilet ratsâ is very real. And Austin isnât alone â residents in other Texas cities have reported similar unwelcome guests slithering up through pipes. For example, North Texas exterminators have noted that prolonged dry spells can drive sewer rats to seek water indoors, occasionally surfacing through toilets in homes and businesses (a phenomenon one Dallas news segment dubbed âtoilet rat terrorâ during a past drought). Even Texas state offices havenât been immune; a few years ago, the Texas Health Commissionâs headquarters in Austin had to exterminate âseveral hundredâ sewer rats overrunning the building texastribune.org. From viral social media posts to local news reports, these incidents have put Texans on alert for rodents coming from the least expected place â the plumbing. How (and Why) Rats Infiltrate Plumbing Systems in Texas Rats are remarkably adept at navigating plumbing â a key challenge for pest control in Texas. Norway rats (also known as âsewer ratsâ) are excellent swimmers that live in sewers and can swim up drain pipes and into toilets with ease augerpros.com. Attracted by food odors traveling down kitchen drains, they will traverse pipes and use the air pocket in a toiletâs U-bend to catch a breath and push into the bowl augerpros.com. Their smaller cousins, roof rats, are agile climbers that may enter homes through rooftop vent pipes or gaps in eaves, then find their way down into walls and plumbing vents. Once inside a pipe or drain line, a ratâs slender body can squeeze through surprisingly tight bends. Another big challenge is the physical tenacity of rodents. Rats can chew through a wide range of building materials â even pipes and concrete if poorly sealed kut.org. âDrywall is like butter,â notes Manuel Ortiz, an Austin pest control specialist, regarding how easily rats gnaw into structures kut.org. Orkinâs entomologists likewise warn that rodents âcan get in around piping and even chew through walls⌠[they] chew through wiring, which poses an increased risk of fires âiheart.com. In other words, any small gap or weak point in a homeâs plumbing or foundation can be an open invitation to a determined rat. In Texas cities with older, aging sewer infrastructure, there are plenty of such vulnerabilities for rats to exploit. Cracked sewer lines, missing vent covers, or gaps where pipes enter buildings all present entryways. Texasâs climate and urban landscape add to the rodent challenge. The stateâs humid subtropical climate (especially in cities like Houston) provides rats with a long breeding season and abundant water, while its mild winters mean rats remain active year-round. According to one pest control report, in metro areas like DallasâFort Worth and Houston the combination of humid climate and sprawling, aging sewer networks creates ideal breeding grounds for sewer rats. Rapid urban development is another factor â as cities expand, construction disrupts ratsâ habitats and often drives them into buildings in search of shelter. Drought conditions can have the same effect: during Texas dry spells, rats and other critters venture from shrinking water sources into residential areas. Experts note that recent droughts and habitat loss have led to more rodents sneaking into Central Texas homes in search of food and moisture spectrumlocalnews.com. In short, Texas homes have the perfect storm of factors â climate, infrastructure, and urban growth â that enable rats to infiltrate plumbing systems if precautions arenât taken. Prevalence and Patterns Statewide How widespread is the problem of rats coming through plumbing in Texas? While precise numbers are hard to pin down (as rodent infestations often go underreported kut.org), there are several indicators that Texas cities are grappling with significant rat activity. National pest control data puts Texas on the map: Orkinâs annual âRattiest Citiesâ index recently ranked Houston at #20 and DallasâFort Worth  at #22 among U.S. metro areas for rodent activity cleanlink.comiheart.com. These were the only Texas metros to crack the top 50, whereas Austin didnât make the list kut.org â yet that doesnât mean Austin is rat-free. In fact, city records show Austin residents made 457 rodent infestation complaints in 2023 (and 474 in 2022) to local authorities kut.org. Those figures include rats sighted in homes and businesses (along with other rodents like mice), underscoring that the issue is not confined to one or two hotspots. Statewide, the prevalence of rats in plumbing seems to correlate with urban density and aging infrastructure. The largest, oldest cities â Houston (population ~2.3 million) and Dallas â unsurprisingly see the most rat complaints and pest control calls. Houstonâs climate and network of bayous and storm sewers provide ample habitat for Norway rats (one Houston pest blog notes the city has abundant âroof ratsâ in attics as well). Dallas and Fort Worth, with their extensive suburbs, have seen rats encroach into newer developments as well; one Fort Worth pest report noted that as the city expands, âunwelcome guests move in tooâ (rats have been found in expanding neighborhoods as well as older areas). Even some smaller Texas communities report high rates of household rodent encounters â for example, one analysis found rural Lampasas County had rodents in nearly 16% of homes, one of the highest rates per capita in the nation. Whether in big cities or small towns, a few common threads emerge: warmer temperatures and mild winters (which allow rat populations to soar), periodic heavy rains or droughts (which either flush rats out or drive them in), and human behavior (leaving garbage or pet food accessible, which attracts rodents). A University of Texas
What Do I Do If Rats Are in the Sewer and Getting Into My House?
What Do I Do If Rats Are in the Sewer and Getting Into My House? If you’re hearing scratching in the walls, noticing gnawed pipes, orâworst of allâspotting a rat in your bathroom or basement, there’s a good chance the problem started deep underground. Sewer rats arenât just urban legendsâthey’re real, and theyâre getting bolder. But how are they getting from city sewers into your home or business? Letâs break down whatâs happening and how the pest control industry now has a cutting-edge answer: the Sewer Assassin⢠Bait Station. Sewer-Dwelling Rats: Norway Rats and Roof Rats Two common culprits in urban rodent problems are: Norway Rats (also called brown rats): Heavier-bodied and excellent swimmers, these rats are right at home in wet, dark environments like municipal sewer systems. Roof Rats (also known as black rats): More agile and climbers by nature, theyâre increasingly found in sewer systems too, especially in warm climates where subterranean access provides food and safety. Both species have adapted alarmingly well to life in the sewers, and theyâre thriving beneath our feet in cities like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, and many more. How Rats Get From the Sewer Into Your Home or Business Following Private Plumbing Laterals Rats travel through municipal sewer mains and follow private sewer lateralsâthe pipes connecting your building to the main sewer line. These pipes often carry food-rich waste that attracts rats like a beacon. Once inside the lateral, rats: Smell food waste, grease, and organic matter. Follow the pipe upstream. Find a break, gap, or improperly sealed junctionâand enter your property. Deteriorating Cast Iron Pipes In older neighborhoods, many homes and commercial buildings still rely on decades-old cast iron plumbing. Over time, these pipes: Corrode and crack. Separate at the joints. Develop gaps wide enough for rats to squeeze through (as little as ž inch!). This aging infrastructure essentially gives rats a highway straight to your crawlspace, attic, basement, or even inside your walls. Remodels Gone Wrong Renovations and remodels often involve changes to plumbing. If these updates are done without proper venting, sealing, or code-compliant retrofitting, they can: Leave open pipe ends inside walls. Bypass traps and vents that normally block rodents. Create new, unintended entry points for rats. Enter the Sewer Assassinâ˘: The Industryâs Smartest Solution Until recently, sewer rat control was a losing battle. But now, professional pest control companies have access to a game-changing tool: the Sewer Assassin⢠Bait Station. What is the Sewer Assassinâ˘? The Sewer Assassin⢠is a sealed, tamper-proof rodent baiting system that is deployed directly into plumbing lines at clean-outs. Itâs designed to: Prove rat activity underground with evidence-based monitoring. Control rodent populations at the sourceâbefore they ever enter your home. Prevent re-entry by keeping pressure on the infestation below the surface. This innovative tool gives pest control professionals a direct line of defense inside the sewer system, where the rats live and breed. Who Needs the Sewer Assassinâ˘? If you own a home or business in an older area, especially where: Cast iron plumbing is still in use, Youâve had a recent remodel or addition, Youâve seen rats in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements, …then you could benefit from a Sewer Assassin⢠installation. Donât WaitâGet Ahead of the Problem If rats are getting into your home from the sewer system, traps and bait stations inside or outside the house will only treat the symptom, not the source. You need a comprehensive solution that targets rodents where traditional methods fall short. Order Now
What Can I Do About Rats in My Drain?
What Can I Do About Rats in My Drain? Meet the Sewer Assassin If youâve ever heard strange scratching sounds coming from your pipes, under drain grates, or noticed the unwelcome appearance of rats in your home, youâre not alone. Rats in drains are a far more common problem than most people realize. These crafty rodents are excellent swimmers, and urban sewer systems make the perfect highway for them to travel unseenâuntil they make their way into your home. Rats in Drains: A Hidden Urban Problem Rats thrive in sewers. These damp, dark, food-rich environments provide everything they need. From there, they can climb up into residential plumbing systems, often emerging through toilets or damaged drain lines. Itâs unsettling, but it happens more than youâd thinkâespecially in cities with older infrastructure or high rat populations. The Old Way: Call a Plumber Traditionally, dealing with rats in your drain meant calling a plumber. Why? Because the issue was seen primarily as a plumbing defectâbroken pipes or open joints that gave rats access. The plumber would inspect the drain, maybe use a camera to locate the damage, and then perform expensive and invasive pipe repairs. It worked, but it was time-consuming, disruptive, and often just a temporary fix depending on the age of the plumbing system. One way back flow valves are also a common way to combat the problem, costing hundreds if not thousands of dollars. The New Solution: Pest Pros and the Sewer Assassin Today, thereâs a smarter, more efficient way to tackle rats in your drains: pest control experts armed with specialized toolsâlike the Sewer Assassin. The Sewer Assassin is a powerful and innovative device designed specifically to combat rats in plumbing and drain systems. Pest control professionals use this tool to humanely and effectively eliminate rats where they liveâinside the pipes. Itâs less invasive than traditional plumbing work, and it targets the root of the problem without needing to dig up your yard or remodel your bathroom. Hereâs how it works: Pest pros can install a Sewer Assassin at any existing 3â or 4â clean out with a non-toxic bait monitor. If the bait is taken, you have confirmed that rodents are indeed inside your customers plumbing system. If the bait disappears, turn The Sewer Assassin into a bait station utilizing rodenticides labeled for sewer use. Service the Sewer Assassin monthly to control rodent populations coming up from the sewer into your customers plumbing generating new consistent revenue for your Pest Control Company. Why This Matters The evolution from plumbing repairs to pest control innovations like the Sewer Assassin shows how technology is transforming home maintenance. Itâs easier, more cost-effective, and significantly less disruptive. If you suspect rats in your drains, plumbing, or seen one in your toilet, donât panicâand donât assume you need to tear apart your plumbing. Call a professional pest control company that offers the Sewer Assassin, the best rodent bait station for this type of control. Theyâll assess your situation and, if necessary, deploy tools like the Sewer Assassin to protect your home from intruders below the surface. Order Now
What Are Sewer Rats? Meet the Norway Rat
What Are Sewer Rats? Meet the Norway Rat That Isnât from Norway When most people hear the word âsewer rat,â their skin starts to crawlâand for good reason. These creatures are more than just urban legends or cartoon villains. They’re real, they’re smart, and theyâre thriving in cities across the United States. But thereâs a lot more to sewer rats than meets the eye. Letâs dig into the truth about these unwelcome underground residents: what they are, where they came from, and why theyâre an increasingly serious problem in modern American cities. What Is a Sewer Rat, Really? The term sewer rat usually refers to the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), a species known for its impressive adaptability and close association with human environments. Despite their misleading name, Norway rats are not actually from Norway. Scientists believe they originated in northern China or Mongolia, spreading across the globe via shipping routes in the 18th century. The name âNorway ratâ likely stems from a mistaken belief in the 1700s that they migrated to England from Norwayâhence the misnomer stuck. How Did They Get to North America? Norway rats hitched rides on European trading ships during the Age of Exploration and colonization. As commerce expanded, so did the ratsâmaking their way across oceans in cargo holds and settling into port cities. By the 1770s, Norway rats had established themselves in North America, pushing out the smaller and less aggressive black rat (also known as the roof rat). Today, theyâre found in nearly every U.S. city, particularly where dense human populations and waste create a perfect breeding ground. Where in the U.S. Are They Found? You may have the misconception that sewer rats are only found in older large cities like Chicago or New York. The fact is virtually every major U.S. city has a rat problem, but some are infamously worse than others. Cities with older infrastructure and high population densities are especially vulnerable. Notorious hotspots include: Denver Phoenix Portland Washington, D.C. Seattle Boston Baltimore Louisville If your city is on Orkins annual ârattiest citiesâ list sewer rats are there!! Breeding in the sewer systems which provides the perfect nesting and foraging environment. Yes, They Can Swimâand Even Come Up Toilets One of the most disturbing facts about sewer rats is that theyâre excellent swimmers. They can: Hold their breath for up to 3 minutes Tread water for up to three days Squeeze through pipes as small as a quarter This means rats can easily navigate city sewer systems, enter a structure through plumbing, and emerge through a toilet. They also exploit deteriorating, improperly installed, and damaged plumbing to get inside homes and businesses. Itâs the stuff of nightmares, but for city dwellers, itâs an all-too-real occurrence. Want to learn more? Check out our article on how rats swim up through toilets â you wonât believe what theyâre capable of. Why the Problem Is Only Getting Worse Several factors are contributing to the growing population of sewer rats: Urban Sprawl: As cities grow and more waste is generated, rats have more access to food and shelter. Aging Infrastructure: Cracked sewer lines, abandoned buildings, and poorly maintained city systems create ideal rat habitats. Climate Change: Warmer winters in many U.S. cities allow rats to breed year-round, accelerating population growth. Human Behavior: Improper garbage disposal, outdoor dining, and lax pest control make urban areas more rat-friendly than ever. Pandemic Effects: During COVID-19 lockdowns, rats lost access to restaurant waste and began aggressively invading residential areas. Many colonies grew bolder and more resilient. What Can Be Done? Cities are ramping up efforts to control rat populations with mixed success. Tactics include: Pest control providers using new tools and technologies like The Sewer Assassin. Using AI-powered smart traps Upgrading waste management systems Performing exclusions, sealing buildings, and repairing plumbing to prevent entry But ultimately, the battle against sewer rats depends on long-term investment in infrastructure, public awareness, and consistent sanitation practices. Donât Ignore the Signs â Sewer Rats Are Closer Than You Think Sewer rats may be part of the urban ecosystem, but their growing presence isnât just grossâitâs a public health concern. These animals can carry diseases, damage personal property, and undermine city infrastructure. Understanding their behavior and origins is the first step toward controlling their spread. So, the next time you hear scratching in the walls or see something suspicious in the toiletâremember, it might just be the infamous Norway rat, thriving in a city near you. Order Now
Rats in Plumbing: Real U.S. Case Studies & News Reports
Case Studies and News Stories of Rats in Plumbing in the US Rats Invading Plumbing Systems: U.S. Case Studies Urban legends about rats emerging from toilets are quite real, as shown by numerous documented cases across the United States. Below we compile several case studies â spanning residential homes, apartment buildings, commercial properties, and city sewer systems â detailing how rats entered plumbing, how the intrusions were discovered, the damage caused, and the measures taken to address them. We then highlight notable patterns (e.g. heavy rains or aging infrastructure) that emerge from these incidents. Each case is sourced from news reports, pest control case studies, or official accounts for accuracy. Residential Incidents Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY (Apartment Building, c. 2017) Location/Date: A prewar co-op apartment building in Carroll Gardens (Brooklyn, NYC); events occurred over several months, initially one May day âa few yearsâ before 2024 curbed.com. Intrusion Method: Rats entered from the city sewer into the buildingâs waste lines through an uncapped sewer cleanout in the basement. A drain company found the clean-out cap missing, with âthree or four ratsâŚpopping in and outâ of the open waste pipe curbed.com. This open entry allowed sewer rats to roam the buildingâs pipes. Discovery: The first sign was a large live rat in a second-floor toilet bowl, discovered by a resident who heard splashing curbed.com. Over ensuing weeks, residents found âtelltaleâ rat droppings in toilets each morning and even saw rats scurrying in basement-level apartments curbed.com. Eventually, rats were appearing in toilets on all floors up to the 4th floor, a building-wide nightmare curbed.com. Damage/Disruption: The presence of rats in bathrooms caused major distress but also tangible issues: one rat gnawed a babyâs bottle nipple at night in a basement unit curbed.com. Residents lived in fear of using their toilets (keeping lids weighted down) and endured unsanitary conditions (daily droppings) curbed.com. The infestation persisted for ~6 months, essentially rendering bathrooms unusable without caution. Response: The buildingâs residents and professionals attempted many measures. After the cleanout was capped (trapping some rats inside), exterminators were brought in, and one resident even caught a rat in a box curbed.com. Plumbers jetted the pipes to remove any sediment that might give rats footholds curbed.com. The NYC rat expert (Dr. Robert Corrigan) was consulted; he coordinated with the cityâs Department of Environmental Protection to camera-inspect and bait the street sewer â though the city sewer was found clear curbed.com. Finally, the building installed a one-way check valve on their sewer line to block re-entry curbed.com. After many interventions, the rats mysteriously disappeared as abruptly as they came, ending the ordeal curbed.com. Notable: This case was highly unusual in its scale and persistence. Experts remarked they had ânever heardâ of such an extreme building invasion via plumbing curbed.com. It highlights how a single breach (missing cap) in an old city sewer line can lead to a prolonged multi-unit infestation. It also showed that finding the exact source can be difficult â even with city help, the precise cause remained a mystery (the city sewer mains were âgorgeousâ and not infested curbed.com). The episode underscores the need for secure sewer cleanouts and, in stubborn cases, backflow prevention devices. Portsmouth, NH (Single-Family Home, 2013â2014) Location/Date: A single-family home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the problem unfolded over the winter of 2013â2014 colonialpest.com. Intrusion Method: A single Norway rat likely entered the house through a hole in the foundation (beneath an entry porch) colonialpest.com. Once inside, it took up residence within wall cavities and plumbing chases. The rat was attracted by dog feces left in the yard (a ready food source) and escaped the cold by accessing the home’s interior through that structural gap colonialpest.com. It did not come through the sewer, but it heavily infested the plumbing infrastructure inside the house by chewing on it. Discovery: The homeowners first noticed trouble when water leaks began in the basement. A plumber repairing a leaking plastic hot-water heating line found chew marks on the pipe, plus rodent droppings and nesting material nearby colonialpest.com. When more leaks occurred nightly, the owners opened up the finished basement ceiling and discovered multiple rodent nesting sites and damage, confirming an active rat problem colonialpest.com. Damage/Disruption: The gnawing rat repeatedly chewed through plastic water pipes, causing continual flooding in the basement ceiling/walls. Over several weeks, numerous sections of plumbing had to be repaired and parts of the ceiling torn outcolonialpest.com. The ongoing damage and repeated leak repairs eventually totaled around $10,000 in damage (earning the rodent the nickname âthe $10,000 ratâ in this pest control case study) colonialpest.com. Beyond plumbing, the ratâs presence also risked wiring, insulation, and stored items (which pest experts note can all be severely damaged by rats) colonialpest.com. Response: This lone rat proved difficult to eradicate. Two professional pest control firms attempted trapping and baiting, but the rat avoided traps and survived initial poison placements colonialpest.com. In fact, the animal became trap-shy and was essentially âsealedâ inside the home as repairs closed its exit paths colonialpest.com. Finally, in February 2014, a pest specialist strategically deployed poison baits directly into the ratâs wall travel routes (cutting into a bedroom ceiling and a bathroom plumbing wall to place bait) colonialpest.com. About 9 days later, the chewing noises and new leaks ceased â the rat had died after consuming the bait colonialpest.com. The homeowners then completed plumbing repairs and sealed entry points (screening gable vents, removing all yard waste and feces attractants, and installing exterior bait stations as precautions) colonialpest.com. Notable: This case shows that even a single rat can cause outsized damage if it accesses a homeâs plumbing. Such extensive plumbing damage from rodents is uncommon but possible colonialpest.com. The incident underscores the importance of addressing structural entry points (like foundation holes) and not leaving food attractants. Unlike the sewer-based intrusions of other cases, this rat didnât swim up a pipe; instead it chewed its way in and then utilized wall voids and plastic pipes to nest. The persistence of the rat despite aggressive control efforts also highlights how clever and resilient rats can be once they become established in a structure. Portland, OR (Residential Sewer/Toilet Incident, 2014) Location/Date: A private home in
