Rats are rodents, along with mice, squirrels, voles, and a host of other troublesome creatures. As omnivorous scavengers, rats consume the majority of foods that humans eat, along with pet food. As the weather cools, rats might seek shelter inside a home for the winter.
What is the best way to get rid of rats? Because of the health risks and other challenges, consulting with a licensed pest controller is typically the best means of responding to these potentially dangerous infestations. An experienced South Portland pest control company retains a trained staff that understands the best ways to get rid of rats and knows many of the most effective rat prevention strategies.
How To Identify Common Types Of Rats In South Portland
Norway rats and roof rats are the most common rat species that invade properties in this region. Norway rats or sewer rats have a body that typically measures seven to nine inches and appears brown with a lighter, grey, or white belly. Unlike the roof rats that will enter a structure through openings on upper floors, Norway rats will likely remain on the ground levels.
Roof or black rats have a body length ranging from six to eight inches and are excellent climbers. Roof rats might use overhanging tree branches or tall shrubs to access roof areas looking for possible points of entry.
As nocturnal creatures, rats remain active at night, and homeowners might hear them scurrying around after dark. Rat droppings often measure ½ of an inch or more, and you can commonly find nests in somewhat hidden locations amid some clutter. Kitchens, garages, and basements are the three most common areas of a home where someone might encounter a rodent. If you have seen them around, it’s time to get rat pest control in South Portland.
The Dangerous Diseases Rats Are Known To Spread
What are some of the most common diseases rats carry? Rats are a common public health concern associated with various health risks, including leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, tularemia, and others. As they travel through a home, they will often damage materials such as insulation, paper products, or fabric for purposes of constructing nests inside walls, attics, or crawlspaces. Rats might invade areas, including pantries, where they tear through food packaging, contaminating and scattering dried food.
Pet owners, such as those with dogs or cats, should prevent their pets from encountering rats. Rodents might carry a protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which may cause digestive or nervous system problems for dogs or infection in a cat’s digestive tract.
Why Do-It-Yourself Rat Control Usually Fails
Online retailers and local home improvement stores sell a variety of sprays, traps, and baiting stations that property owners often try. Some of the primary reasons that these efforts fail include:
- Mass-marketed products represent generalized solutions to unique problems based on the nature of the infestation and the specific property conditions.
- Many of these options generate only short-term results that prove insufficient for expelling larger infestations where types of pests become deeply entrenched and somewhat insulated.
- In many cases, homeowners improperly apply the product or misunderstand the instructions.
Keep in mind store-bought products might contain harsh chemicals that place you, your family, or your pets at risk. Further, these options might prove harmful to the local environment. Choosing a pest control professional is the best course of action.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of A Rat Infestation
Are you wondering how to get rid of mice and rats that have found their way into your local home or business? Contact the specialists with Big Blue Bug Solutions for problems with rats or other common household pests.
We will deploy an expert to perform an inspection and formulate a customized treatment plan. We look forward to speaking with you.