Are Rats Bad For the Environment?
Rats are incredibly hardy creatures. They can withstand a high level of poison and remain unharmed for a long time. The only way to eliminate rat problems is to change their habitats. Rats will feed on almost anything humans put out, from food scraps to the waste in the streets. In addition, rats leave behind plenty of urine and feces on uneaten food.
Rat populations have a cyclical pattern. During the winter, many rats die, because food becomes scarce. In addition, breeding rates are low. If rats are killed during this time, they will be absent from their breeding cycle during the spring. With the spring rains, more vegetation grows and additional food becomes available. Young rats need to find new places to nest and food. Then in the summer, the environment is a paradise for rats.
Although people see rats more frequently during the breeding season (spring and fall), they are active year-round. Rats prefer to live in buildings that are built above ground and in places where they can reach food and water easily. If their habitats are overcrowded, they may come out during the day to forage for food. If you notice rats in your house, you can trap them and dispose of them. Rats are easily poisoned, but they can leave a foul odor.
To prevent rat infestation, you should use rat-proof containers and garbage cans to store food and pet food. You should also ensure that the trash is not piled too high, especially in the basement. Moreover, you must always clean up pet droppings on a daily basis.