No one wants rats in their home, but unfortunately, rats continue to thrive in many residential areas throughout the US. We want to supply you with crucial information regarding pest control in Houston, and today it’s all about how to remove a rat infestation from your home and keep them away for good.
This article will cover some of the signs of an active rat infestation, the ways in which rats can harm your health and your property, how to get rid of rats, and how to prevent them from returning.
Clear Signs Of A Rat Infestation
Identifying a rat infestation is an important step. If you happen to see a single rat outside your home, it’s not a sure sign that you are currently experiencing a serious rat problem.
But if you notice one or more of the following signs of rats, then the presence of a rat infestation is much more likely:
- Rat sightings, especially inside the home
- Wall and floor damage
- Droppings
- Tracks and scratches
- Bad odors
- Visible nests
- Gnawed food packaging
Keep in mind that rats like to keep themselves hidden. If there’s a rat visible inside your home, there’s a chance that there’s a full-on infestation behind your walls or below the floorboards.
If you can access crawl spaces behind walls, below the floor, or in the attic, look for nests. Also, check kitchen cupboards and other places where food is stored. If the rats aren’t able to find sufficient crumbs along the floor, they’ll want to go straight to the source. Once they find it, a little plastic or cardboard isn’t going to keep them from gnawing their way into your groceries.
But the effects of a rat infestation in your Houston home are more extensive and serious than a few holes in your cereal boxes.
How Rats Spread Diseases And Damage Property
To be clear, rats represent a serious threat to your health and your property. Their historic role in the spread of bubonic plague hundreds of years ago is just one alarming example of how rats spread diseases.
Rats can cause harm to humans directly, such as through a bite or a scratch, but they can also cause harm indirectly. For example, rat saliva and urine can spread lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and rat droppings and hair are allergens for some.
Beyond these, rats can spread a number of other serious diseases to humans by contaminating food or water.
In terms of property damage, large numbers of rats can wreak havoc on homes and businesses. Rat urine damages surfaces and leads to terrible smells. While building nests or navigating a building, rats regularly chew through wood, paper, insulation, and other common building materials.
There’s also a risk that rats will damage wires and electrical conduits, leading to possible electrical fires.
But even if you discover a rat infestation or extensive rat damage, the good news is that there’s a straightforward way to finally get rid of those rats.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats
When it comes to getting rid of rats in Houston, calling All-Safe Pest & Termite is simply the best option available.
Setting your own traps and poisons is not only dangerous but will likely be ineffective, since rats have learned to avoid unusual elements in their living space.
If you need rodent control in Houston, contact our team at All-Safe Pest & Termite, an award-winning pest control service with more than 30 years of experience.
Simple Tips To Prevent Rats From Coming Back
Once the infestation has been dealt with, how can you keep those pesky rats away?
One of the best things you can do for rat prevention is to keep all food tightly sealed and out of reach. Trash should be kept in covered trash cans. Don’t leave pet food out overnight. Repair leaking pipes that might be providing rats with fresh water.
Try to eliminate small spaces around the home where rats might decide to set up shop, such as the spaces between appliances or furniture and walls. You should also keep your entire property free and clear of trash and rotting wood.
To prevent rats from getting into the house in the first place, keep all of your doors and windows closed and regularly check for damage or openings.
All in all, rat infestations are dangerous and inconvenient, but working with our Houston pest control professionals can help you solve an infestation and move forward.
Take steps to resolve your rat problem today by contacting All-Safe Pest & Termite to get help with rats and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Houston. You'll thank yourself once your home is completely rat-free.