Rat Infestation: Problems and Solutions
The rats always make an unwelcome appearance in your home. As well as looking awful, they can cause a great deal of damage – chewing through insulation, walls, and electrical wiring. A number of Rat Infestation diseases are transmitted by rats. According to a number of studies Leptospirosis is transmitted to humans primarily by rats living in urban areas.
Infested buildings are at risk of structural damage due to destructive feeding habits and nesting habits of none other than rats. It is quite difficult to spot rats when populations are low, as rats are secretive. Thus, it is not always possible to determine if there is an infestation.
The only solution left is to get rid of rats fast & permanently (take the help of the Professional Pest Control Melbourne team), which can be accomplished using safe & effective methods such as hiring pest control services, removing outdoor food sources, and building a wall, and more. Let’s begin by reviewing the signs of rat infestation before we consider solutions.
An infestation of rats is evident by these signs
Following are the top signs that indicate rat infestation in & around the house:
- The presence of alive or dead rats is usually the first indication of a rat infestation. When rats have enough room to hide, they prefer to do so, so if they are observed in plain sight, a full-blown infestation is already in place.
- It is possible to find rat droppings, which indicate an active, feeding rat population.
- The dirt and grease they leave on walls and floorboards are also quite noticeable.
- Additionally, you should check for rat runs in the surroundings. They act as foraging paths for rodents by leaving their tracks in grasses and low vegetation.
- You can also find roof rat nests in attics, beneath floorboards, and in other dark, seldom visited places.
- It is not uncommon to see rats chewing on plastics and wood continuously. Infested floors and walls will show damaged materials and large holes.
Problems Associated with Rat Infestation
- Many people dislike rats because they carry disease-causing pathogens such as Hantavirus, which can be transmitted to humans. Rat urine and droppings can carry some of these pathogens and eventually become airborne after they begin to break down, contaminating other dust particles.
- Even though you don’t see a rat, pathogens may still infect you. If you find a rodent nest, do not disturb it. Rather than attempting to control rodents yourself, call an expert.
- You may also suffer structural damage due to rats. Steel and plastic pipes, wooden beams and joists, and sometimes even cement, can be damaged by these creatures. Electrical wires, including insulation, can also be chewed through, which can lead to short circuits or house fires. Additionally, rats are known to get into food storage as well as destroy insulation in attics, walls, and crawl spaces.
- Oh, and rats breed prolifically, so if you don’t take action to stop a rat infestation, it may include many rats and grow rapidly. The average rat litter has 12-15 pups and it has two litters per year in the wild (fall and spring).
Rat infestation: how to get rid of it?
You must take proactive steps when dealing with rat infestations since they can cause a variety of diseases and damage to your properties.
It’s good news that there are tried and true ways to prevent mice and rats from building nests which includes the following:
- Get in touch with Pest Control Team
Exterminating rodent infestations from your home is one of the tasks that pest control professionals do every day. A Rodent Pest Control Service should be contacted to deal with rat infestations now as well as to prevent future infestations.
Pest Control Services help to get rid of existing pests, establish an effective pest barrier around your home, and maintain it without having to kill every one of them.
- Removing existing rodents
Trapping and baiting are two methods for getting rid of mice and rats. Traps that kill rodents quickly should be used for trapping. Baits need to be held in place and kept out of reach of children and pets with tamper-resistant bait stations. You can also place bait and traps along pathways where droppings and chew marks can be seen. Typical paths include fence rails, ledges, and foundations.
- Secure your home
Use recommended rodent-proofing materials to fill in any holes along the exterior of your home. Take care of every door, window, and vent in the house.
- Make sure your yard is clean
Clean up the landscaping. Remove clutter and garbage around the yard. Maintain a minimum 3-foot distance between shrubs and bushes. Rodents can live in these spaces safely.
- Maintain a clean environment in and around your home
Rodents have no reason to invade your home if they do not have food. Keep your home clean by not leaving food out. Ensure that rodent-proof bins are used for garbage cans, pet food, and pet waste.
Additionally, you can build a 2-foot wall around your house (if that isn’t enough), remove food sources outside, eliminate outdoor access, use mint, or find a new friend at your local shelter.
It is important to remember here, that all these above-mentioned solutions (although tested) are secondary means only. The most effective way to get rid of a rat infestation is to call professionals, right it is better to call.
It is recommended not to attempt to solve rat infestations by yourself, but instead call a pest control service instead. The simplicity of home remedies and treatment methods may seem appealing and low-cost, but you may waste a lot of money and time trying to manage your condition on your own. You can, however, turn to home remedies if your budget is tight but
What Do Rats and Mice Need?
Rats are really challenging to deal with since they can live anywhere. The place where humans are themselves becomes the best location for rats to nest and thrive. However, three main requirements for rats are:
Food
Rats are omnivorous animals, so they will eat everything accessible to them. However, rats are popular for feasting on the trash and having leftover food and droppings. Moreover, few rats also kill tiny insects like lizards and birds for food. So, you must not allow any leftover food on the floors, kitchen counter, or dishes. Feed your pet indoors and clean up their bowls regularly.
Water
Do you know that rats can live without water for one month and more? It is mainly because it consumes enough water content in the things they eat. However, when rats feel thirsty, they run to your pet dishes, drains, or wall pipes. So, you must inspect your place regularly for water leaks. It can surely help in lowering the risk of rats on your premises.
Shelter
In wildlife, rats easily get shelter from grasses, weeds, and plants. But in homes, they do not need to work much for their homes. As they simply take refuge behind walls, under the furniture, in the darker rooms, and unused corners of your home. They are also fond of making nests under or inside your appliances. The most liked area to make a nest for rats is your kitchen. The kitchen is warm and rats can have easy access to food and water.
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