Rats are prevalent in both urban and suburban areas throughout New Jersey, adapting to various landscapes and human-made structures.
Common Rat Species and Habitats
Two primary rat species are found in New Jersey: the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the roof rat (Rattus rattus). The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat, is more widespread. These robust rodents typically reach 7 to 10 inches long, excluding their tails, with coarse brown or gray fur, a blunt snout, and small ears.
Norway rats prefer ground level, establishing underground burrows in sewers, basements, crawl spaces, lower floors, garbage dumps, woodpiles, and riverbanks. Roof rats, also called black rats, are more slender with larger ears, pointed noses, and tails longer than their bodies. They are adept climbers, often nesting in elevated locations like attics, rafters, trees, and utility lines. Both species adapt well to diverse New Jersey environments.
Why Rats Thrive in New Jersey
New Jersey provides an ideal environment for rat populations due to environmental and human factors. Abundant food sources are readily available, including discarded food waste, outdoor pet food, and bird feeder seeds. Rats are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a wide variety of items.
Shelter and hiding spots contribute to their success. Rats find harborage in buildings, cluttered garages, basements, and extensive sewer systems. Construction and urban development can disturb existing rat habitats, causing them to seek refuge in nearby neighborhoods.
Water from leaky pipes, puddles, and natural bodies of water supports their survival. New Jersey’s human population density and infrastructure allow rat populations to grow and spread. The state’s moderate climate, particularly mild winters, enables rats to breed year-round, leading to population surges.
Preventing and Managing Rat Problems
Effective rat prevention and management involve sanitation, exclusion, and habitat modification. Proper waste disposal is a primary step, requiring residents to store trash in sturdy, sealed bins with locking lids, as rats can chew through plastic. Promptly cleaning food spills, securing pet food, and avoiding leaving food out overnight are also important.
Exclusion methods aim to seal potential entry points into homes and buildings. Rats can squeeze through openings as small as a half-inch, so sealing cracks, holes, and gaps around pipes and wires with materials like steel wool or metal plates is advised. Doors, windows, and screens should fit tightly, with any gaps covered to deter gnawing. Reducing yard clutter, trimming overgrown vegetation, and storing firewood away from structures minimizes rat hiding spots.
For severe or persistent infestations, professional assistance is often necessary. Pest control professionals conduct detailed inspections to locate entry points and assess infestation severity. They implement integrated pest management strategies, including baiting and trapping, and provide recommendations to prevent future infestations. Community-wide efforts, such as proper waste management and public education, also help control rat populations.