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Enemies and Predators of Rats

In urban dwellings, the rat's primary enemy is the human. Although some cultures revere rats, these rodents are best known for their destructive behaviors and the ability to transmit deadly diseases to humans. As such, extermination of rat populations is extremely important. Effective extermination plans may include the use of exclusion, baits, traps and professionally administered techniques.

Domestic cats also prove a menace to rats. More commonly mouse predators, domesticated felines are likely to pursue and attack rodents when they are discovered within the home.

Outdoors, rats face a variety of predators. In these environments, large birds of prey — including hawks, falcons and owls — feed regularly on rodents. Owls are particularly formidable predators, as their nocturnal behavior ensures that they are most active when rats go out in search of food. Various snake species also prey upon rats.

Rat Behavior

Rat Borne Diseases

Rat Diet

Rat Fleas

Rat Habitat

Rat Holes

Rat Identification

Rat Infestation

Rat or Muskrat + Differences

Rat Sense of Smell

Rat Tracks

What Does A Rat Look Like?

Rat Bites

Resources

Dig Deeper on Rats

What do Roof Rats Look Like? | Get Rid of Rats

Roof rat illustration

What do Rats Eat? | Rodent Diet Facts

What are Rat Fleas? | Rat Fleas vs. Dog or Cat Fleas

Diseases Caused By Rodent Droppings | Get Rid of Rats

Rat Bites

Rat Traps

Different Types of Rat Species

My carpet has been chewed by rats

Q

What could have done this? Would it be in the house?

Can you spray for rats?

Q

I work in a granite shop, and we have a lot of rats. They are big and ugly. I wonder if there exists any spray or something similar which can kill rats.

Enemies and Predators of Rats

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