Rats are a common problem for homeowners, and if you're not careful, they can quickly become a nuisance. Here are five things you need to know about rat control so you can keep your home pest-free.
1. Things that attract rats to your home
Rats are attracted to homes because they have easy access to water, shelter, and food. Some common things that attract rats include:
- Trash around a house.
- Pet food left outside overnight.
- Accessible food waste in the kitchen.
2. The dangers of rat infestations
If your home becomes infested with rats, it can pose serious risks. Some of the most severe concerns include:
Diseases
Rats are responsible for many diseases, including leptospirosis, which can be fatal. Rats also often carry ticks on their fur which can also transmit diseases.
Destruction
Rats can damage insulation in ceilings to make nests, gnaw through walls and electrical wiring, and destroy food storage areas.
3. How to identify a rat problem
Rat infestations are typically easy to spot if you know what you're looking for. Look for signs like their droppings (small, dark pellets) or holes they use to enter or exit your property. You might also notice that when you leave out the trash, the lid is open the following day when you left it closed for the night.
4. The steps you need to take to get rid of rats
The best way to eliminate a rat problem is by trapping and eliminating the infestation in its entirety before the rats start breeding and multiplying inside your home. Some effective methods include:
Snap Traps
These are simple traps that spring shut and kill an animal instantly when triggered. Snap traps are the most cost-effective pest control traps that you can buy. Use your hands to bait the trap, then put it in an area where rat activity is noticed. Snap traps are best used along walls and near openings where rats travel but should not be placed under debris or close to food sources.
Glue Traps
These are basically sheets of paper that you layout, and once a rat walks over the trap, the adhesive will seal around its feet to prevent it from escaping. Be sure to keep pets or children away from these because they can be injured if they touch them.
If you would like further advice about rat control, contact a local pest control agency.
One of the signs that winter is on its way is when you find evidence of rats or mice moving into your home. These rodents hate the cold, so they love to find a cosy spot to set up house once the temperature drops.
Pest control is the best way to stay on top of rodent issues, but what type of pest control works best for these critters? These blog posts are all about pest control so that you can educate yourself on subjects like baiting versus trapping, and also how to avoid your pets getting sick from pest control measures.
The more you learn about pest control, the better informed you are about making the right choice for saying goodbye to rodents in your home.