The most common types of rats found throughout the United States are Norway rats and roof rats. Both rodents belong to the genus Rattus and can be found anywhere human populations thrive. These rats are similar in size and appearance and enter buildings looking for food or to escape cold weather. Inside, they contribute to structural damage and the spread of disease. One of the main differences between Norway and roof rats is where they're found in homes. Roof rats get their name from their tendency to enter structures in elevated spaces, including attics and ceilings. In contrast, Norway rats are found along building foundations, woodpiles, and in basements.

Other Rats and Their Diseases

Other rodents commonly associated with rats despite their difference in scientific classification include rice rats, cotton rats, and pack rats. Cotton rats and rice rats are considered dangerous to humans because they carry strains of Hantavirus. A severe, sometimes fatal disease, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a respiratory ailment found in the feces, urine, and saliva of infected rodents. People can contract the disease simply by breathing in air contaminated with rodent droppings, being bitten by an infected rat, or eating and drinking substances tainted with the virus. Finally, pack rats, also called wood rats, are common in various areas of the United States. They grow up to 17 inches in length and are notable for having furry tails shorter than the length of their bodies. Along with transmitting diseases, pack rats damage garden crops.

Learn more about rat removal.

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Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

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