Do Rats Provide Any Benefits?

Rats are used in many psychological experiments because of their larger brains compared to mice and their ability to mimic human behaviour better. This makes them the perfect choice for research in areas where humans are unable to perform the task themselves. This includes the field of cerebral palsy, where understanding the early stages of the condition is essential for developing new treatments.

Rats can be quite destructive to homes. Their sharp, toothy jaws mean they can gnaw through anything in their way. They can chew through concrete, shingles, siding, and even soft stone. They have even been known to chew through pipes and access homes through the basement. For this reason, rat control is essential.

Rats need one to two ounces of food a day and must have access to fresh water. Rats are not vegetarians and will eat anything we eat. Their diet should contain animal protein, fat, and carbohydrates. As a result, it is important to control the number of rats in your home. A single rat may easily overrun an entire property, posing a serious health risk.

Rats have a keen sense of smell. They can detect the odour of bleach and other chemicals. Often they will invade areas of the home that are not frequently used, so it is essential to remove all possible sources of food for them.