When you think of rats, words like dirt, illness, or night scares surely come to mind. But the truth is that these animals are much more complex and surprising than it seems. In fact, rats are incredibly intelligent, adaptable, and resilient, especially when temperatures drop.
At Termicor we have been observing their behavior closely (sometimes too closely) for years. We know that what rats are capable of often surprises even those who have already had a pest problem at home. That’s why, in this article, we tell you how they behave, how they adapt to the cold and why it’s so important to act in time when they appear.
Total adaptability: what rats can do to survive
Rats are one of the most adaptive animals on the planet. They are present in practically every city in the world, and their intelligence allows them to overcome obstacles, learn routes, memorize paths and avoid traps when they have had a previous bad experience.
Some things they are able to do will surprise you:
- They swim long distances and can survive even in polluted waters.
- They go up vertical pipes to access houses and flats from the sewer.
- They slip through holes of only 2 cm, thanks to their flexible bone structure.
- They gnaw on cement, wood, plastics and electrical wires, often causing short circuits, fires or structural damage.
- They memorize routes and patterns of human activity, learning when it’s “safe” to go exploring.
- They can communicate with each other to alert of dangers or indicate areas with food.
In many cases, when a customer calls us for a rodent problem, the rats have already been living in their environment for weeks (or months) without anyone noticing.
The cold doesn’t slow them down: how rats behave in winter
A very common belief is that in winter “rats disappear” or that they become less active. But the truth is quite the opposite: the cold pushes them to seek refuge inside houses, premises and warehouses.
During the cold months in Mallorca, especially between November and February, we see a clear uptick in rat warnings. Here are some reasons:
They are looking for warmth
Rats do not hibernate, but they do adapt their behavior to conserve energy. They need to find warm areas with access to food: false ceilings, storage rooms, appliance motors or even the interior of electrical panels.
They become more aggressive
Competition for resources causes colonies to become more active and daring, especially in urban areas. It is not uncommon to see rats running around in broad daylight when they feel hungry or pressured by the cold.
They slip through any crack
During the winter, rats take advantage of any opening, grate, or fissure to gain access inside. This includes even areas that do not seem accessible from the outside, such as cellars, garages or downspouts.
Health risks increase
In the cold, people tend to close windows more and reduce ventilation. This means that, if there are rats inside the home, the accumulation of urine, feces or hair increases health risks, especially in kitchens, pantries or utility rooms.
Signs You Might Have Rats (Even If You Don’t See Them)
Many times rats do not let themselves be seen, but they leave clues. Keeping an eye out for certain signs can help you spot a problem early before the infestation gets out of control.
Look for signs such as:
- Gnawed food scraps or leaky containers.
- Noises at night in false ceilings, partitions or behind appliances.
- Small dark droppings shaped like a capsule.
- Grease footprints or stains near walls, skirting boards or cables.
- Damaged electrical cords or flashing lights for no apparent reason.
If you spot one or more of these signs, it’s best to act immediately. Rats reproduce quickly, and a single pair can give rise to more than 50 offspring a year.
What to do if you think you have rats at home or in your business
The most important thing is not to underestimate the problem. Rats can not only cause property damage, but also transmit dangerous diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis or hantavirus.
Here are the recommended steps:
- Avoid using poisons on your own: if they are not placed properly, they can generate resistance or cause rodents to die inside ceilings or walls.
- Don’t close access without first evaluating: If you seal an entrance without removing individuals, you can cause them to get locked inside and cause even more damage.
- Contact a specialized company: at Termicor we offer a rat control service with prior diagnosis, safe treatments and personalized follow-up.
You can see more about our professional rodent control service here.
Why trust professionals?
At Termicor we have been helping families, businesses and communities to eliminate rodent problems in Mallorca for more than 20 years. We don’t just apply treatments: we study each case in detail, look for the source of the problem and offer tailor-made solutions, without resorting to unnecessary products.
In addition, we help you:
- Detect hidden entry points or nests.
- Implement physical and structural prevention measures.
- Establish periodic reviews if the environment requires it (stores, food outlets, rustic homes, etc.).
Have you been surprised by how much rats are capable of doing?
Well, imagine what they can do if they are not detected in time. If you suspect you have a rodent problem, don’t wait for it to become apparent. Call or write to us without obligation. At Termicor we are here to help you regain peace of mind.
