Rats in your home aren’t just a health hazard but also a direct threat to your property. Unfortunately, rats often manage to get into even the cleanest homes and start reproducing. This is especially true in Milford. If you need pest control in Milford, keep reading to learn how to get rid of rats for good.
What Rats Look Like
Rat identification is key to establishing a rat control program that works. The most common kinds of rats here in Milford are roof rats and Norway rats. Roof rats, also called black rats, are about 8 inches long. They have dark tails and hairless ears. On the other hand, Norway rats are much bigger—they can reach up to 16 inches in size! Some other defining features of Norway rats are their brown coloring and stocky bodies; their tails are hairless, and their ears are short and furry. Whichever species you’re dealing with, both of these rats can be distinguished by their long tails and round ears.
Can Rats In Your House Make You Sick?
When rats in Milford take up residence in your home, they are more than just a nuisance; they are a serious health hazard. Since rats often live and move around sewers, pipes, drains, trash cans, and other unsanitary places, they can carry and transmit various diseases to you and your loved ones.
Among the diseases that rats carry and spread through their bites and scratches, some of the most common are:
- Leptospirosis
- Rat-bite fever
- Tularemia
- Salmonellosis
Don’t let rodents put the health of your family and pets at risk! If you see any signs of rats in the house, reach out for professional home pest control services in Milford.
Why It Is So Hard To Get Rid Of Rats On Your Own
You may be wondering how to get rid of a rat infestation and why it can be so hard to get rid of rats on your own. The first reason rats are difficult to trap is that they are much larger and stronger than mice. Mouse traps are too small and light for rats. In addition, rats are intelligent creatures and are highly aware of their surroundings. They might know to avoid traps or bait that you set up if these traps “suddenly” appear in your house.
Rats also reproduce quickly. Even if you are able to catch one or two rats, there’s likely already a lot more hiding away in some corner or recess of your home. Nonetheless, rats aren’t impossible to eliminate. Professional rodent control is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way to trap and remove these animals.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats On Your Property
If you need to get rid of a rat infestation in Milford, the following rat prevention tips may help:
- Eliminate any potential entry points in your home's exterior.
- Store your trash in sealed trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Keep your garage and yard clean and free of debris.
- Clean your kitchen regularly and wash your dishes daily.
- Seal all food containers with airtight lids.
- Keep firewood a distance away from your house.
- Keep your gutters clear of water build-up and debris.
- Install screens on your attic vents, windows, and doors.
- Seek professional help to create and execute a comprehensive rat removal plan.
Following the practical tips mentioned above will help you in your quest for a rat-free home. At Big Blue Bug Solutions, we offer an initial free home inspection to help us get a better understanding of your rat infestation and your specific rodent control needs. First, we will look for any entry points and signs of rats. After this inspection, we’ll create a comprehensive pest control plan to get rid of the rats in your house.
Our pest control process includes an initial treatment plus follow-up visits to ensure your home stays completely pest-free. If you are ready to say goodbye to the rats forever, reach out today to schedule your free inspection and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Milford.