Pest control in Portland is an essential component of life here in the city. With our help, you'll be able to make informed decisions on rat control and prevention to avoid complications and pest-related damage. So, if you're wondering about how to identify a rat problem, which diseases rats are capable of spreading, or what attracts rats to human homes, then you're in the right place. Join us for a quick and effective guide to getting rid of rats and keeping your home happy and healthy.
How Can I Tell If It's Rats On My Property?
Unless you've actually seen rats in or near your home, it's important not to jump to conclusions. Narrowing down the possibilities and confirming the presence of rats is a fundamental step for rat control. Aside from staying on the lookout for the rats themselves, keep the following signs of a rat presence in mind.
Rat droppings are a common sign of the presence of rats. You're most likely to find these near nests or sources of food. Also, look for rat nests, which are usually made of fabric, paper, and other materials they can find in your home.
Rats can also bring an unpleasant smell, so if you notice a sudden and unexplained odor, it could mean that rats are nearby. Rats also tend to be relatively large rodents, and while they can be sneaky, they still make noise as they run through your home. Pay close attention to unexplained sounds in the home, especially if they sound like tiny footsteps or scratching.
What Diseases Do Rats Spread?
Over the span of history, rats have become fairly well-known for spreading diseases throughout human populations. While it's not generally true that rats are the source of various diseases, they can indeed spread germs that can lead to illness in humans.
But what are some of the diseases rats carry? Well, the full list is extensive, but just to name a few, rats can spread leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, and tularemia. Germs leading to these diseases can be spread through direct contact with a rat, but rats can also simply contaminate surfaces in your home, leading to indirect transmission.
If you're aware of a rat problem in or near your home and you start to notice odd symptoms, seek the help of a medical professional as soon as possible. To avoid the health risks associated with rats, be proactive in your rat prevention efforts.
What Attracts Rats To Properties?
Thankfully, you can keep rats in Portland away by eliminating the factors that attract rats to human homes. But what are those factors? We've gathered a list of them here:
- Pet food and droppings
- Birdfeeders
- Fruit and fruit trees
- Sources of water
- Materials they can use to build nests
- Hiding places or nesting locations
- Warmth
- Small openings that allow them to access your home
By mitigating or completely eliminating these factors in the vicinity of your home, you will be drastically reducing the chances that rats will decide to move in.
Ultimately, the best way to get rid of rats fast is to partner with a trusted local pest control service with extensive rat control experience.
Pest control professionals can also be an excellent resource when it comes to planning ahead and preventing future rodent infestations, as well as infestations of other types of pests. Pest control pros have the training and the equipment necessary to locate rat nests and safely remove them from your home with great efficiency.
Reach out to us today at Big Blue Bug Solutions to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Portland.