Rats are social rodents, which means where there is one rat, there are likely more. Because rats have lived close to people for so long, they are dependent on humans for food and water, which are the main reasons rats make their way into our homes.
Two common rat species in the area are Norway rats and roof rats. Norway rats have brown or gray fur with a lighter color underbelly, while roof rats have dark brown or black fur and a lighter color underbelly. Both species, like others, have a long and hairless tail that is shorter than their body, small ears, a blunt nose, and little black eyes.
No matter the species, no rats are welcome in any Dallas home, which is why as a resident, you should know what you are up against.
Problems Caused By Rats
Rats come with a range of problems when they get into homes. These problems include destroying property and causing major health concerns such as spreading diseases and parasites.
Rats’ teeth never stop growing, which is why they need to chew to keep them from overgrowing constantly. Because of this, rats can:
- Chew through wood, wires, pipes, insulation, and most other materials. Damage to wires and pipes can become a fire hazard and cause leaking.
- Chew on furniture and other personal belongings.
- Chew through small holes in your home, worsening them to get inside.
Rats are not known for their cleanliness as they frequent sewers, dumpsters, and landfills. Because of this, rats can quickly spread diseases where ever they go. Health problems caused by rats include:
- Transmitting plague, salmonellosis, typhus, leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and more.
- Contaminating food and surfaces with their saliva and waste.
- Spreading parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, fleas, and ticks.
Rats can also trigger allergies and make living in your home stressful. You don’t need us to tell you how critical it is to prevent rats from getting into your Dallas home in the first place.
Preventing Rats
Rats only need a small hole to squeeze through to get into your home to get to the food and water they need. This is why it is essential to make your property less conducive to this pest. Implement the following prevention tips to help keep rats away:
- Store food in air-tight containers
- Don’t leave dirty dishes or pet food out overnight
- Sweep, vacuum, and mop frequently
- Clean up crumbs and spills right away
- Take the garbage out regularly and use bins that have tight-fitting lids
- Fix any leaking pipes, faucets, and water-damaged wood
- Remove any standing water on your property
- Remove woodpiles from your yard
- Keep your yard properly maintained and trim trees, so they are not touching your home
You should also seal potential entry points such as:
- Gaps around pipes and utility lines
- Openings over ventilation points
- Chimney openings
- Cracks and holes in your foundation
Although these tips will help prevent rats, they will not get rats out that are already inside. When it comes to an active infestation, you shouldn’t try to get rid of them on your own.
Professional Rat Control
The safe and most effective way to handle a rat infestation on your Dallas, Texas property is with professional rodent control. Contact All-Safe Pest & Termite for assistance with a rat infestation. For 30 years, we have been keeping homes safe from pests such as rats using the latest tools and techniques. So, don’t wait, contact us at All-Safe Pest & Termite to take care of the rats that are destroying your property and putting you and your family in danger.