Discovering that rats have invaded your property is a profoundly frustrating and unsettling experience. What a sinking feeling to find chewed-up items and damaged property courtesy of furry terrors with super sharp teeth. In addition to the destruction they can cause, rats can make your entire household ill. So, the thought that they're running amok inside the place where you're supposed to feel the most safe and secure can be truly mind-boggling.
Fortunately, our resourceful team at BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control provides the most effective and reliable rat control in McAllen to restore your home to its original rodent-free glory. Continue reading to learn more about these highly intrusive creatures and why partnering with professional pest experts is essential to get rid of them for good.
Signs Of Rats In The House: Identifying Rat Activity
In case you've never encountered a rat problem before, several clear indicators can assist you with identifying their presence. One of the most obvious clues is finding small, dark, pellet-like droppings scattered in areas they visit the most, such as kitchens, pantries, and cupboards. Since rats have a strong compulsion to gnaw on any item in their path, you may notice chewed-up wires, wood, plastic, and cardboard boxes. Rats often follow specific routes, leaving dirty, greasy smudge marks on walls and baseboards, particularly along their regular travel paths.
As nocturnal creatures, rats are most active at night, so you may be disturbed by the sounds of scurrying and scratching inside walls, up in ceilings, or underneath floors. Rats create nests using materials like insulation, fabric, and paper. So, finding these shredded items in your home may point to a rat invasion. Another unpleasant sign is a strong, musty odor permeating through the air due to the urine and droppings they've left behind.
Also, pay attention to your pets because often, they'll begin to exhibit unusual behavior if they sense or encounter rats in your home, like scratching at walls or showing heightened alertness. Food tampering is yet another sign that rats have made themselves comfortable. Be on the lookout for teeth marks in food packaging or containers.
If any of these signs seem familiar, it's important to take swift action by getting in touch with your local McAllen pest control company that offers rat control services.
Rat-Borne Diseases: Common Illnesses Transmitted By Rats
One of the biggest dangers rats pose is their ability to carry and spread numerous diseases through their saliva, urine, feces, bites, and scratches. One of the most well-known diseases linked to rats is leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira bacteria, which can infect humans through contact with contaminated water or soil. Rat-bite fever is another concern arising from rat bites or scratches, resulting in fever and joint pain. Hantavirus, typically spread through inhaling airborne particles contaminated with rat droppings, can lead to severe respiratory illness.
Additionally, rats can harbor fleas and ticks that carry diseases such as tularemia and Lyme disease. These rodents are also responsible for contaminating food and water sources, leading to foodborne illnesses like salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis outbreaks.
The control and prevention of different types of rats are crucial for minimizing the risk of these diseases to protect your family's health.
Rat Prevention: Simple Measures To Keep Rats Out
Preventing rats from infiltrating your home is vital for safeguarding your health and property. Take a look at these straightforward measures to help keep these rodents away:
- Seal entry points: Fill in any openings or breaches in your home's foundation and walls.
- Secure outdoor areas: Trim overgrown vegetation on your property and maintain a tidy yard to eliminate potential hiding or nesting spots.
- Properly store pet food: Keep pet food in rodent-proof containers, and don't leave food or water dishes outdoors overnight.
- Conduct routine inspections: Regularly examine your home's interior and exterior for signs of rat activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or burrows.
- Clean regularly: Maintain clean surroundings by wiping up crumbs and spills, mopping and vacuuming floors, and disposing of trash frequently.
Consult a qualified pest management service for additional rat prevention tips or schedule an in-home evaluation.
Professional Rat Control Services: The Benefits Of Expertise
Enlisting the services of pest specialists for professional rat removal offers numerous benefits to homeowners. At BUGWORKS Termite & Pest Control, our highly skilled technicians possess the specialized equipment, knowledge, and expertise to effectively identify the extent of the problem and devise a customized elimination plan. We ensure a more efficient and successful outcome, giving you back your peace of mind by addressing the issue comprehensively and minimizing health risks.
Reach out to us today to request your complimentary estimate.