Seeing a rat can be a frightening thing. These resilient pests can be aggressive toward people in addition to being vectors of diseases like the plague, and they reproduce quickly and exponentially. As a homeowner, one of the last things you need is a rat infestation, but unfortunately, rodents are a common problem in Nevada.
If rats are becoming an issue, it is time to learn how to tell if you are dealing with rats or different types of pests, understand what causes a rat infestation, and apply five simple tips for dealing with one. If you are struggling with rats on your property, Celtic Pest Control provides reliable pest control in Reno that you can rely on to protect your home year-round with the highest quality pest control services.
How To Tell If You Are Dealing With Rats In Reno
If a pest has moved onto your property, you might wonder which type it is. Some of the most commonly encountered types of rodents in the Reno area include voles, squirrels, mice, and rats. The latter two can leave similar clues, but rat infestations are worse in many ways and might require different treatments and strategies.; this is how you can tell if you are dealing with rats:
- You see rat feces: Rat droppings clearly indicate an infestation. In the case of rats, they will leave behind feces between half an inch to three-quarters of an inch long and shiny and black. Because you can contract illnesses from being in contact with them, it is crucial that you use gloves at all times, throw away anything that has come into contact with the droppings, and use plenty of disinfectants. Or, reach out to a pest control professional who can clean up the area safely.
- You see rat entry points: Rodents in the area, rats included, can be smaller than in other states, and this means that they can get through relatively small openings, even those that they create themselves by chewing through the structure of your home. Some common entry points include vents, window gaps, damaged roofs, cracks in walls and foundations, and more. You must seal all entry points to prevent rats from coming in.
- You see rats: Most often, rats will be gray or brown, with large ears and a long tail. Mice tend to be much smaller and rarely longer than four inches, while rats can get twice that size. Their droppings are also different, as a mouse dropping will be smaller and will have pointed ends like a grain of rice. A mouse's tail will be covered in hair, while a rat’s tail is generally hairless. And finally, rats tend to be much more aggressive and bold.
- You find rat nests: A rat nest looks like a loose ball of plant material like cotton, shredded paper, twigs, and anything that is relatively soft but sturdy. Rats might use these nests to raise their offspring, but they can also keep food there. Nests are rarely in the open, and rats will start them in hard-to-find areas including behind walls, in crawl spaces, in basements and attics, or even in the garage if they feel safe enough. If you find a rat's nest, do not disturb it, as rats can quickly become aggressive if threatened.
Suppose you see these signs of rat infestation and think you might be dealing with rats. In that case, it is vital that you reach out to a professional rodent control company, as these unhygienic pests can transmit various dangerous illnesses, including the hantavirus, leptospira, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, and salmonella. You will also need to understand what causes a rat infestation.
What Causes A Rat Infestation?
There are many reasons why you might have ended up with a rat infestation, and even clean houses are at risk of seeing these scary rodents at some point, especially in big cities. There are some primary reasons rodents tend to invade. First, cleanliness is a big part of keeping rats at bay. Like other unwanted invaders, they often seek food sources to sustain themselves and their offspring. While you would rather find them outside your home, the truth is that kitchens and dining areas serve as convenient pantries for pests. If possible, it is a good idea to empty trash cans regularly inside and keep them as far away from the structure of the house if you have some outside as well. You will also want to periodically sweep, mop, and vacuum all rugs and carpets. And finally, try to disinfect counters and floors after food has been prepared, especially in the evening when rats start to become more active.
Rat infestations can also begin when rats are trying to find shelter from the elements. While rodents in other areas might want to escape the cold, those in Nevada might need to find cool hiding spots and water access. If your home has humidity problems, it might be time to find ways to remove water sources. There are many ways to deal with a rat infestation, but the following five tips are some of the most effective ones.
Here Are Five Simple Tips For Dealing With A Rat Infestation
Dealing with a rat infestation is not always easy due to the risk of contracting diseases, among other things. If you are struggling with a rat problem, contacting a local pest control company is always best. However, the following rodent control tips are a good starting point:
- Schedule regular inspections: While it is tempting to use DIY rodent control treatments, the best thing to do with a rat infestation is to prevent it from establishing itself in the first place. With the help of a pest control company, you can make sure that the factors that attract rats in the first place are taken care of; and prevent a new infestation from happening right after you successfully exterminate the last one.
- Conduct appropriate repairs in your home: It is vital to seal all cracks and holes in your walls, foundation, and the general structure of your home, including the roof. Rats are opportunistic pests that can squeeze through tiny openings, especially when they are still young. You will also want to fix any leaks and remove sources of stagnant water outdoors and indoors.
- Remove sources of clutter: It is easy to accumulate clutter the longer you live in your home, but it makes perfect hiding spots for rats and other rodents. Hot spots are basements, garages, and attics, which are also low-traffic areas where rats are more likely to build nests. Even when decluttered, you will want to keep these areas closed with well-fitted doors and windows in good shape.
- Keep your yard in good condition: Rat infestations often start outside and move indoors. Make sure that you mow your grass short regularly, trim bushes when appropriate, and keep tree branches as far away from the structure of your home as possible. Avoid keeping leaf piles and compost piles, and do not store food outside, especially in containers that do not close properly.
- Keep your home as clean as possible: While cleaning floors and counters is a chore you must do every day, you will also want to clean under appliances, behind furniture, and other hard-to-reach places. If there are gaps between your appliances and walls, rats might also try to hide there.
Getting rid of rats takes time and persistence, but using effective rat prevention techniques and hiring a pest control company to help with your efforts can make all the difference. Unfortunately, exterminating a rat infestation can prove impossible without appropriate treatments.
What Does Celtic Pest Control Do About Rats In My Home?
At Celtic Pest Control, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality rat control in Reno. These warm-blooded mammals are resilient and can also learn to avoid many store-bought rat control products, including traps. Because they can transmit a variety of diseases as well as cause significant property destruction, from gnawing on furniture to ruining electrical wires, rats are a problem that must be dealt with swiftly. Contact us today for a quote and to schedule a home inspection. Our licensed professionals will inspect your property, outside and inside, if needed. They will show you the best way to get rid of rats quickly, with options for effective treatments to eliminate rats from your property permanently. We do follow-up visits and regularly scheduled maintenance to ensure your home remains free of pests all year.
Rats are unhygienic vectors of multiple diseases that could make you very ill. They are also known for contaminating your food and leaving unsightly and hazardous droppings throughout your home. But with our professional rat control services, your infestation can be a thing of the past sooner than you might think.
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