Are there rats in West Virginia?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

Oh boy, let me tell you about rats in West Virginia. I’ve had my fair share of encounters with those little critters. Now, I can’t speak for the entire state, but I can tell you that rats are definitely present in certain areas.

You see, rats are what we call an introduced species. Back in the colonial times, when European settlers and traders made their way to North America, they brought along some unwanted guests – the black rat, brown rat, and house mouse. And guess what? These rodents made their way to West Virginia too.

I remember one summer when I was staying at a cabin in the woods of West Virginia. It was a beautiful spot, surrounded by nature and wildlife. But little did I know, there were some unwanted visitors lurking around. One night, as I was getting ready for bed, I heard scratching noises coming from the attic. I thought it was just some branches scraping against the roof, but boy was I wrong.

The next morning, I discovered droppings in the kitchen and chewed-up food packages. That’s when I knew I had a rat problem. I immediately called a pest control company to come and take care of the situation. They set up traps and sealed off any entry points they could find. It was quite the ordeal, let me tell you.

But my experience is not unique. Many people in West Virginia have had similar encounters with rats. Whether it’s in their homes, barns, or even outdoor spaces, these rodents have made themselves quite at home in the state.

Now, I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. West Virginia is not overrun by rats. They are not running rampant in every corner. But they are definitely present, especially in more populated areas where there is a greater abundance of food and shelter for them.

So, if you’re planning a trip to West Virginia, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the possibility of encountering rats. Take necessary precautions to keep them out of your living spaces, such as sealing any cracks or holes in your home and storing food in secure containers.

To sum it up, rats are indeed present in West Virginia, thanks to their introduction by European settlers and traders. While they may not be a widespread problem, it’s always wise to be prepared and take preventive measures to avoid any unwanted encounters with these pesky rodents.