The rat’s dark side: scary facts about rats

Rats, often dismissed as mere nuisances, possess a dark side. From contaminating water sources to swimming through toilets, these creatures are more formidable than one might think. In this blog post, we unveil the scary facts about rats, shedding light on their dark side.

Water Contamination:

Rats, when in contact with water reservoirs or pipes, can contaminate water sources with their faeces and urine. This not only poses a serious health risk but also increases the likelihood of waterborne diseases. The seemingly harmless act of rats near water infrastructure becomes a potential hazard to human health.

Toilet Invaders:

Contrary to urban legends, rats are skilful swimmers capable of navigating through sewers and emerging through toilets into homes. Their ability to tread water for three days and survive being flushed down a toilet is alarming. Even more concerning is the fact that they can return to the building through the same route, making them persistent and elusive invaders.

Voracious Appetite:

Rats are omnivores with an insatiable hunger, consuming a wide range of food items. Their voracious appetite contributes to food contamination and economic losses, as they devour grains, fruits, vegetables, meats, and even smaller animals.

Teeth Growth:

Rats grow approximately 14cm worth of teeth each year, constantly gnawing on various materials to file them down. Their sharp incisors can chew through wood, bricks, cement, and even metal, making them formidable opponents in accessing food supplies and entering homes.

Unsettling Habits:

Rats eat their own faeces for nutritional value and resort to cannibalism in times of scarcity! These unsettling habits highlight the adaptability and survival instincts of these creatures, adding to the fear they evoke.

Disease Carriers:

Rats are notorious carriers of diseases, including the bubonic plague, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis. Their droppings, urine, and bites can pose serious health risks, emphasizing the importance of effective pest control measures.

Psychological Distress:

The presence of rats can lead to significant psychological distress, causing anxiety and fear in individuals. Their invasion of personal spaces and potential disease transmission can have lasting effects on people’s well-being.

Conclusion:

To safeguard your home from the unsettling realities of rat infestations, PestStore is here to elevate your pest control game plan. Don’t let rats become unwanted visitors; contact us at info@peststore.co.za or call 086 999 0959 to secure your home and protect your well-being. Trust PestStore for comprehensive solutions to keep the dark side of rats at bay.