Rats frequently nest under decks, but along the Jersey Shore, you are almost always dealing with ground-burrowing Norway rats. Roof rats prefer elevated nesting sites and remain far less common in this region.
Knowing the species of rat that you are dealing with will help you know how to get rid of them. Along the Jersey Shore, the usual problem is the Norway rat. They are larger and heavier. They like to stay by the ground, preferring to burrow, and they often nest in places like basements and crawl spaces. Decks work just as well.
Roof rats are climbers. They favor attics, upper walls, palm trees, and utility lines. They’re also a big problem in warm coastal areas like Southern California and the Gulf Coast. Roof rats do exist in the Jersey Shore, but they’re not as common as Norway rats.
One sign you're dealing with Norway rats is burrow openings two to four inches across at the edge of the deck skirt or against the foundation, often with a fan of excavated soil. Smooth worn runways through vegetation are another sign, as are greasy rub marks along framing. Droppings are a dead giveaway. And if you hear gnawing on deck boards or trash containers at night, that’s another common sign.
One thing you can do is make your property less attractive to rats. Use tight lids on trash and recycling. Clean outdoor grills and store pet food in sealed hard plastic containers. Thin out dense plantings.
Of course, there are limits to what you can do on your own. Clearing an established rat population is not a DIY job, and burrow systems under a deck are difficult to reach. If you have rats, bring in a professional.
If rats are nesting under your deck or around your home, Mosquito Squad of the Jersey Shore can help. Mosquito Squad finds how rats are getting in and where they are nesting, clears them with traps and bait stations, and seals the entry points. Monthly rodent control is also available through Complete Home & Yard coverage.
