Rats are the biggest symptom of a rat infestation. These rodents run quickly and hide. Rats can infest your home without your knowledge. Continue reading this article by Brooks Pest Control on how to control and know if you have a rat infestation in your house. If you do not notice them, these are rat infestation signs:
- Walls and furnishings gnawed.
- Capsule-shaped drops
- Footprints
- Walls with greasy fur marks.
- Food packaging damage
- Wall and attic noises
Rats can look like mice. Remember that rats have longer, thinner bodies and measure between seven and eleven inches in length (not including the tail).
Rats Can Cause Many Problems
Rats are bad for numerous reasons. Rats carry several deadly diseases. They can transmit a wide variety of diseases, including leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis. They may bring ticks and fleas into your home. Rats infest food, increasing disease risk. Rat infestations must be eliminated soon to prevent illness. Rats harm property. They chew food packaging, plasterboard, and electrical cables with their sharp teeth. They also nest in walls, which can cause insulation concerns.
Effective Rat Exclusion Methods
Rodent management at home can be ineffective. Reaching whole rat nests is crucial to eradicating an infestation but can be challenging. Unless all rats are caught, traps will not work. Instead, try these rat prevention tips.
- Do not store firewood and yard waste next to the house.
- Seal wall holes.
- Remove moisture.
- Seal food containers.
- Throw rubbish away.
Rats nest in woodpiles and yard rubbish. Rats might easily enter your home if these are too close. Leaves, grass trimmings, timber, and other materials should be stored at least a few feet from the foundation of the building.
Rats can climb and fit into small areas despite their size. To prevent rodent entry, any space larger than the size of a quarter must be sealed. Rats like water and humidity. Leaky pipes and air conditioners give water for them inside. Repair and ventilate your home.
Keeping your food safe from scurrying rats is another priority. Keep food in sealed containers. This prevents rats from opening food packing. Put food trash in the right bags and containers. Outdoor garbage bins may need animal-proof lids.
Rats can damage houses, so it is crucial to keep them out. In addition, if you uncover any evidence that rats have been living in your home, the best course of action that you can take is to get in touch with an extermination service that specializes in rodent management.