If you have a rat infestation, do not take it personally. Rats find clean homes as comfortable as we do, but if a home is clean when they move in, it will not stay that way for long. Make sure you quickly call a professional if you spot any signs of infestation.
Why Are Rats and Mice in My House?
While many people associate rats with dirty places, rats are intelligent, efficient scavengers that will move in just about anywhere. Food, water and shelter are the only incentives they need to invade. They are naturally curious and will spend their time scouting for new homes. It only takes a few rats appreciating your taste in cereal to spark an infestation.
How Did the Rats and Mice Get In?
Rats are as industrious as they are intelligent. They can find their way into practically any home, but they will often use lush landscaping, wood piles or close out-buildings as hiding places and access routes. Black rats will even climb trees, brick, pipes and gutters to find the easiest way in. Persistent rats can chew through everything from wood and plastic to brick and metal to get inside of structures.
But I Cannot Find Any Access Holes!
Rats are burrowing rodents with lithe, cylindrical bodies designed to move quickly through tight spaces. Even large rats can fit through shockingly small holes. Unless a rat is overweight, if his head can fit, his whole body can fit. It only takes a split second for a rat to use his whiskers to check and see if he can fit through a space.
I Think I Have an Rat or Mice Infestation. Should I Be Worried?
Through their bites, droppings and saliva, rats can spread diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella and rat bite fever. Rats can also carry mites, whose population can become significant enough that they feed on residents. They can carry in fleas and disease-bearing ticks, and they can destroy property in no time flat. If you suspect an infestation, call a pest control company immediately.
What Can I Do?
It is critical that you consult a pest control company that has experience dealing with rodent issues. Experience is the key to sealing off all possible access points and eliminating the infestation quickly and safely. While you wait for your consultation with a pest control service, try to seal up any possible access points. Search your home’s foundation and low exterior walls, sealing up any holes you find. Close your fireplace flue and trim back any vegetation that comes in contact with your home.