Rodent control is always an important topic for Florida homeowners because of the germs, filth, and disease rodents can bring inside with them. They can also be quite destructive when they chew through structures, boxes, wires, and other personal items.
It doesn’t take long before just a few rats can turn into a full-on infestation that necessitates the assistance of a professional exterminator.
To help you avoid these issues, let’s discuss some common signs of a rat infestation in your home and what you can do to prevent one.
The sooner you can identify the common signs of a rat infestation in your home, the more quickly a professional exterminator can get rid of them.
Here are a few things that you should be looking for:
Rats will use the bathroom whenever they need to, even if it’s in the middle of your floor. If you spot any small droppings, this is a telltale signthat you may have an infestation. Be careful cleaning them up, because the hantavirus is spread through rodent droppings.
Rats also urinate whenever they feel like it, which may also clue you in to their presence. This unpleasant odor may also clue you in to whether you’re dealing with a few rodents or many. If you smell urine in a specific area, look around for any other signs of a potential infestation.
Rats have large teeth and they love to chew through all sorts of things. They’ve even been known to chew through wires and create a fire hazard. The most common spots to find this type of evidence include walls, cupboards, and boxes.
When rats get into the walls of your home, it’s often quite obvious. Due to their size, it’s easy to hear them scratching and moving around. Even if you only have a few rats rather than a full infestation, this can be very creepy.
If you experience a rat infestation in your home, then it’s imperative that you enlist the assistance of professional rodent control services. Before and after that, follow these prevention techniques:
Rodents will often enter your home through holes, gaps, and cracks in the structure. They also may make their own entry point or turn a small hole into one large enough to fit through. You can typically seal these problem areas with caulking or weather-stripping depending on their size.
Leaving trash out in the open is a surefire way to attract all types of pests, including rats. Dispose of uneaten food right away, tie the garbage bags tightly, and take out the bags daily. Also, keep your trashcan as far away from your home as possible so if rats get inside, they’ll be less likely to enter your home.
Water also attracts nearly every type of pest, so it’s always a good idea to remove any standing water found outside your home. If there’s been a recent storm, perform a thorough check of your property. If you have water structures, periodically check for leaks.
Fresh food will also act as a beacon for rats. Leftovers and any food that won’t be kept in the fridge should be placed into plastic containers and stored away. This will keep rats and other rodents from smelling the food from outside your home.
McDonald Pest Control in Clearwater can help prevent a rat infestation in your home along with any other worrisome creatures you may come into contact with. If you’d like to learn more about our pest control services, call (727) 734-0963 to schedule a no-cost consultation.
