Houston Pest Control
Of all the things that Houston is known for, who would've thought it's for being the 'rattiest!' According to a 2021 study ranking the 'rattiest' cities in the U.S., Houston came in at 18. While this may come as a surprise to you, if you've ever seen rats in or around your house, then you can probably see why the city made the list.
In Houston, you should know about and worry about two different types of rats if they ever get into your home; Norway rats and roof rats. These two rat species are very invasive and seek shelter wherever they can find it, including your home. If you see these rats or even signs of rats in your house, you need to call Houston Pest Control immediately.
How Big Can Rats In Houston Get?
There are rats the size of cats that exist in the world, but luckily, those rats don't reside in Houston. However, Houston's Norway and roof rats can hold their own when it comes to size.
The Norway rat is what's known as the common sewer rat. These rats can grow as big as ten inches in length, and that's not including the tail!
The roof rat can grow as big as a foot long (including their tail)!
Ideally, you don't want to encounter rats in your home at all, but if you do, you'll need to call in the pros to get rid of them, especially if you find groups of rats around your house.
Can Rats In My House Really Make Me Sick?
Rats can absolutely make you sick. Norway and roof rats are usually shy towards humans and rarely bite us, but that doesn't mean they don't pose serious threats.
Norway rats are sewer rats, meaning they like to hang around damp environments like sewage and drain systems. The four bayous in Houston are dream locations for these rats, so they're more prevalent in neighborhoods near them. These rats can carry typhus, trichinosis, bubonic plague, and Weil's disease.
Roof rats are excellent climbers, and you'll find them up trees and power lines. Did you know that these rats were hosts for the fleas responsible for carrying the bubonic plague that killed so many throughout Europe? Fortunately, the bubonic plague isn't a disease plaguing Houston, but these rats do carry trichinosis, rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, and leptospirosis.
If these rats get in your home, they will contaminate food in your pantry, urinate on your countertops, or nibble on your food, and possibly make you and your entire family very sick.
Why Aren't Traps Working To Getting Rid Of The Rats?
There are a few reasons why traps won't work to get rid of rats. For one, you need to know the difference between rats and mice. In many cases, homeowners will buy mouse traps for rats and rat traps for mice; the right type of trap matters.
Second, rats, if you can believe it, have food preferences. The bait you use on a trap may be food that rats don't care for. Until the rat gets a tasty bait, it will avoid the trap.
The last reason traps won't work for a rat infestation is that rats reproduce too fast. At their rate of reproduction, you'd have to lay so many traps that you'll be playing hopscotch just to get from room to room!
What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Rats In My House?
The safest and most effective way to get rid of rats in your Houston home is to call the pros. When these furry pests get into your house, they expose you and your family to a host of diseases that can make you all very sick. At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we have effective and affordable rodent services to rid your home of these unwelcome guests. Simply give us a call for a free estimate.