If you've ever watched children's cartoons, rats and mice are everywhere. These rodents in media are adorable and likable whether they're friendly, curious mascots to shrewd, food-loving chefs. And, many domesticated rats make great pets. However, rats in Santa Rosa are also a huge pest problem. These wild rats commonly invade homes as they look for food, water, and shelter, which spells trouble for homeowners.
Rats in the area spread diseases and destroy homes, so you'll want to know how to prevent and remove them. Find out how to keep rats at bay in this handy rat control guide.
Habits And Behaviors Of Common Rats
The key thing to understand about rats is their dependent relationship with humans. Rats, along with mice, are called commensal rodents; this means that these rodents depend on and live alongside us while offering no benefit to us in return. Rats are also adaptable and intelligent, and these attributes have helped them follow humans around the globe. Rats live in buildings in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
A few more facts about rats to note:
They are prolific breeders. One female rat has about 40 pups per year.
They are destructive. Rats can chew through wires, drywall, pipes, plastic, clothing, and more.
They are nocturnal and sneaky. They can even fit through holes the size of a quarter.
But, while property damage and their invasive nature is challenging, the worst thing about rats is the dangers they bring to your household.
Why Rats In Your House Can Be A Major Health Risk
Feral rats are often full of pathogens. They will live around sewage or get into garbage cans. Then, they will spread these germs to your house and even directly into the food you eat. Rats can make you sick even if you never get close to one as the buildup of their fur, urine, and feces can transmit diseases in the air.
Some of the illnesses rats spread include salmonella and hantavirus. Plus, rats often carry parasites like ticks and fleas and bring these to your property, too.
Factors That Attract Rats Into Your Home
Rats are common enough that they aren't possible to deter entirely without assistance from Santa Rosa pest control professionals. The Armed Force Pest Control team is your best line of defense, but you can still make your property less friendly to rats by removing the factors that attract these rodents.
Rats like to find places that have easy-to-access food sources. They aren't that picky and will get into pet food or garbage cans. These rodents also need a way into your home. Unfortunately, rats can chew through many materials, so keeping them out can pose challenges. You can, however, deter them by covering vents with wire mesh and repairing holes in the walls with steel wool.
Contact The Pros At The First Sign Of Rats In Your Home
If you suspect a rat infestation, don't hesitate to get assistance. Rats reproduce rapidly, so their numbers quickly grow out of control. With all of the problems and health risks rats bring, it's safest and wisest to take action to remove them as soon as possible. While there are products like baits and traps you can try, they usually only remove some of the rats, not all of them.
Contact Armed Force Pest Control to begin our effective rat prevention and removal services.