Longview home and business owners have busy schedules and a lot to keep up with, and the last thing they want to have to think about is pest management. However, they can’t ignore its necessity. Pests can do serious damage to property, harm humans and pets, and carry disease and illness with them. Rats do all of this and more, so preventing and eradicating an infestation should be a top priority.
You may not want to spend any time reading about rats, but it could help you. These animals are adamant about getting inside your space. With knowledge, you’ll be able to prevent them with a hand from Pest-Pro Services, Inc.
How Do You Get Rats? What Are The Dangers?
Roof rats are a common species in the area. These rodents are sizable, as they are 15 inches long or more, with long, scaly tails. They have furry black or brown coats and pointed noses and large eyes and ears.
The origin of the roof rat name is fairly self-evident. These rodents like to stay off the ground, scurrying along power lines and tree branches. When they jump off, it’s usually onto the roof of a home or business. Once they’re ready to be indoors, they’ll wiggle through an opening in a foundation, shingle, or vent. A gap just ½ inch around will suffice, and if it isn't large enough, they’ll just expand it with their teeth. Then, they’ll settle down in the rafters, garage, or attic. Roof rats are dependent on human spaces for food and shelter.
Some indications that you have a roof rat infestation include:
- Seeing fecal pellets.
- Discovering rub marks that are oily on walls.
- Noticing their footprints.
- Hearing scratching and squeaking in walls.
- Spotting them during the day, when evening is their usual activity period.
Rats are plain gross and are a major health risk to have around. Parasites live in their hairs, and countless microbes are in their feces, saliva, and urine. The sky's the limit for the number of germs they will harbor, because they also inhabit and breed in filthy locations. These creatures are frequently in garbage piles and cans, sewers, gutters, and other unsanitary areas. When it comes to the tainting of food and surfaces in homes and businesses, rats are some of the prime suspects. The spread of salmonella, tularemia, and hantavirus is linked to them. So is structural and electrical damage, because they gnaw on walls and cords to file down their constantly growing teeth.
What Can Be Done To Prevent Rats?
You have to be prepared with preventive action for rats. They multiply entirely too fast to wait for a problem to develop, so you want to block them from coming in to begin with. Take these steps to reduce access to your property:
- Close and/or stuff cracks and crevices near roof and utility lines, vents, foundations, windows, and doors. You can use steel wool, caulk, or something that rats aren’t able to bite through easily.
- Immediately fix moisture leaks and malfunctions.
- Use containers with tight lids for food and garbage storage.
- Clear the yard of debris, cut the grass often, and trim greenery.
- Put outdoor plants and flowers two feet away from the building.
- Be sure to clean your gutters.
- Keep clutter to a minimum.
What Will Pest-Pro Services, Inc. Do About Rats?
Pest-Pro Services, Inc. will send licensed technicians to comprehensively examine your property and find rat entry points, nests, and trouble spots. We utilize professional-grade treatments to eradicate current infestations and prevent future recurrences. Our plans are affordable and customizable. Call us today to set up your consultation.