The signs of rats in your house are pretty easy to notice when you know what you're looking for. Perhaps you've been hearing the scratching sounds of rats inside walls or ceilings at night, or your furniture has a tear with stuffing coming out. Whatever the case, rats should stay outside where they belong.
Rats carry many diseases that can put your family at risk. Rats are often why homeowners search for pest control in San Antonio. If you are wondering how rats get inside or searching for the best way to get rid of rats, we are here to help.
How To Tell If It's Rats Infesting Your Home
Norway Rats and roof rats are the most common types of rats in our area. Here are some signs they may be infesting your home:
- Finding food packages torn up in your pantry is a common sign of rats in the house.
- Discovering rat droppings is another clear sign; they often leave a trail between their food source and nest.
- Noticing your upholstery has tears or finding pieces of insulation around indicates they are using it to build their nests.
- Hearing scratching sounds is a telltale sign of rats inside walls; you may hear them in the ceiling or floorboards.
- Finding a nest in the house is a sure sign of infestation. Norway rats will often nest in the basement or any undisturbed area. Roof rats in high places like the attic.
No matter which kind of rat you are dealing with, getting rid of them quickly must be a priority.
Rats In Your Home Is A Serious Health Hazard
Rat prevention is a must here in San Antonio. Rats cause severe health hazards, which makes it vital to check your home for signs of these rodents. Rat droppings can trigger allergies and transmit food-borne illnesses such as salmonella. It is essential to add rat prevention measures to your home maintenance plan.
Certain diseases rats transmit can spread to people just by having them in your home. They get into your food and walk on counters contaminating everything they touch. They carry hantavirus and introduce parasites like fleas and ticks into your home, bringing more diseases.
How Rats Find Their Way Into Your Home
Rats are known for being quite clever. No matter what kind of rats you are dealing with, they know that wherever there are humans, there is likely a food and water source nearby. It is essential to store all food in containers securely. A big part of rat prevention is simply making your home less attractive and accessible to them.
An adult rat can squeeze into a hole the size of a quarter to find a way into your house. It's especially vital to check around the foundation for small holes. You are more likely to find roof rats up high; they are good climbers, so check soffits and vents that access your attic.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats On Your Property
The best way to get rid of rats is to enlist the help of a local rodent control company. Rats can cause tremendous damage if left unchecked, including chewing wires that can cause electrical fires and gnawing through almost anything in your home.
When they have found a way around your rat prevention measures, it is time to call in the pros. Accurate Pest Control technicians know how to eliminate all types of rats and will help you find ways to make your property less accessible to them. Call today to schedule your free inspection.