When rats invade a home, they can cause a variety of problems. In addition to chewing and destroying insulation, they can spread diseases through direct contact or by contaminating food. Rats can also bring ectoparasites such as mites and fleas with them.
It’s important to act quickly if you suspect a rat infestation. The population grows rapidly as rats reproduce at an alarming rate, and the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to get rid of them. There are some early signs that you should look for: droppings, nighttime scratching sounds, greasy smears or odors on walls and floors, chewed power cords, holes in ceilings or walls, visible gnaw marks, and discarded rodent nests.
Some homeowners choose to try DIY rat control, but it’s important to contact a professional pest control company as soon as possible. Even a small number of rats can breed quickly, and they can be resistant to some forms of rat poison. A professional can identify the species of rat infesting your home, and then select the appropriate treatment option.
If you’re considering hiring a rat control near me company, look for one with experience in your area. Local pest control professionals will have the know-how to handle the specific breed of rat that is common in your area, and they may have special equipment like bait stations that are more effective than traditional traps.
It’s also important to hire a pest control company that offers free inspections. This will help you determine how extensive the rat problem is and which strategies will be most successful. A pest control specialist will evaluate your property to find where rats are entering, and then they can recommend an extermination plan and place baits, traps, and seal entries.
A rat infestation can be costly, but you can cut the cost of rat removal by practicing good sanitation and keeping trash cans tightly sealed. This will reduce the amount of available food for rats, and it will make it more challenging for them to access the food sources they need.
There are many different ways to eliminate rats, but the most efficient strategy is to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. Some preventative measures include sealing entry points with screens, caulking, and door sweeps, maintaining gutter systems, preventing vegetation from growing near the exterior of buildings, and eliminating garbage piles.
If you’re a homeowner with an ongoing rat problem, consider choosing a monthly, quarterly, or annual maintenance plan. This will help ensure that your property is protected year-round. These plans typically include regular inspections, baiting, trapping, and sealing entry points. They can also include monthly or bi-annual preventative services such as dusting and vacuuming. In addition, some pest control companies can also provide supplemental services such as lawn care or interior treatments. This can be especially helpful if you have a particularly problematic or stubborn rat infestation. These add-ons can save you time and money in the long run, so it’s worth evaluating whether they’re right for your property.