Do Rat's have a Skeleton?

Over the years I have heard quite a few myths and misconceptions concerning rats and rodent control.  Today I was reminded by a customer of an old one.  "Rats do not have a back bone that's why they can fit through such small holes."  I have heard comments similar to this for over 20 years.  I can see why people might find this easy to believe.  Rats can fit through some of the smallest places, that it seems like they must have bodies without any bones structure.  The reality is, that rats have bones and cartilidge just like us.  They just have very long and typically slender bodies.  A healthy rat can usually fit through any hole their heads can fit through.

I have seen younger rats fit through holes as small as a quarter.  That is less than an inch in diameter.  It is not uncommon for Roof Rats especially to squeeze through holes this size to make it into an attic space.  They also have an incredible ability to climb.  With nails that resemble needles they can move up the side of a structure with the same speed and agility they run across flat ground.  This allows them easy access into attics which generally have openings almost the entire length of the fascia where the gutters are attached.  Watch the video below to get some ideas on how to seal up all of the areas where rats can find their way in.  The combination of the copper wool(which will not degrade) and the pur foam to lock it in place has been very successful at eliminating the access points that rats use to enter a home or business.