What's worse than having mice in your home? Rats! These pests are bigger than mice, cause more damage, and are harder to catch. To top it all off, if you have a rat in your home, you likely have more rats in hiding.
If you're thinking about taking control of your rat problem on your own, think again. These pests are challenging to get rid of on your own, so it's always best to consult a professional Fort Worth pest control company. With the right team on your side, you can get rid of any big rats and have peace of mind knowing your home is rat-free.
Habits And Behaviors Of Common Rats
Rats are nocturnal creatures, which means they're most active at night, making them hard to spot during the day. However, there are a few signs you can look for that will indicate you have rats in your home, such as:
- Gnaw marks: Rats need to gnaw on objects to wear down their constantly growing teeth. So if you find chew marks on food packages, wood, or plastic in your home, it's a good indication you have rats.
- Scratching sounds: You may hear rats scratching around your walls or floors at night.
- Droppings: Rats leave droppings wherever they go. So if you find small, dark pellets in your home, there's a good chance you have rats.
- Tracks: Take a look around your home for any rat tracks. These will be small footprints that look like mouse tracks but will be more prominent.
These pests can cause extensive damage to your home if left unchecked. Should you come across any of the signs above, contact a professional pest control firm as soon as possible.
Why Rats Around Your Home Can Be Dangerous
Very few pests come close to being as dangerous as rats. Rats spread diseases that are significant enough to warrant getting rid of them around your home.
Some of the diseases rats can spread include:
- Hantavirus: This is a deadly virus spread through contact with rat droppings.
- Leptospirosis: This disease is spread through contact with rat urine and can cause liver damage.
- Plague: This is one of the most well-known diseases associated with rats. It's a deadly disease that's spread through rat fleas.
While these diseases are enough to warrant getting rid of rats around your home, these pests can also cause fires. Rats like to gnaw on things, and if they chew on electrical wires, it can start a fire. Rats cause around 25% of house fires each year. It's no wonder that people have a genuine phobia of rats.
Remember, any disease caused by rats in Fort Worth can be deadly, so it's essential to terminate these pests as soon as possible. The best way to get rid of rats fast is with professional help. The sooner you do that, the better.
How To Remove Factors That Attract Rats To Your Home
The most effective way to limit the likelihood of rats taking up residence in or around your home is to remove any factors attracting them.
Some of the most common things that attract rats include:
- Rats are attracted to food and garbage.
- Like any living creature, rats need water to survive.
- Rats like to nest in cluttered areas.
If you're tired of stumbling across these pests during the night, it's time to take action. You can start by addressing the above attractants.
Getting rid of rats on your own is challenging; the best course of action is to contact a professional pest control contractor. A good pest exterminator is the best way to get rid of rats outside and within your home.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats
There's no such thing as being too cautious regarding rat control. These pests can cause severe damage to your home and pose a health risk to you and your family.
All-Safe Pest & Termite can assist you in getting rid of rats on your property. We have a wide range of rat control solutions that are safe and effective. Contact us today to learn more about our services.