Rats can be a big problem for Texas homeowners. These destructive pests can invade your home and not only cause a lot of damage that could lead to costly repairs but also make you and your family seriously ill. At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we have been providing comprehensive pest control in Frisco for years and know what it takes to get rid of these pests for good.
How Do I Identify A Rat Problem In My Home?
Seeing rats in your home is the best way to tell if you have a rat problem. However, these sneaky little rodents are good at staying out of sight. Even if you are unable to see a rat in person, there are a few telltale signs that will give you a definitive answer on whether or not you have rats in your home. Some of the signs that you should look out for include:
- Rat holes. The Norway rat is the most common in Frisco. They usually dig holes under your foundation, garbage cans, piles of firewood, or any other area with soft or sandy soil.
- Rat droppings. Rats will leave black, oval-shaped droppings all over your home. The droppings are usually about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long. On average, one rat can leave 50 droppings behind each night.
- Gnaw marks. A rat's teeth are constantly growing, so they have to constantly chew on things to keep the rapid growth in check. If you notice gnaw marks on your furniture, walls, cabinets, clothing, plastic containers, or any other surface not made of metal or glass, there is a good chance that you have a rat infestation.
- Dark marks: Rats cannot see well. Because of their poor eyesight, these rodents will usually run alongside the baseboards and walls of your home. Over time, the dirt and oils from their bodies will leave dark smear marks around your house.
- Shredded paper and cardboard. Rats will use paper, cardboard, insulation, cloth, and other soft materials to make their nests. If you see any of these common nesting materials around your home, you have a rodent problem.
Rats are athletic and sneaky creatures that can easily run and climb between your walls and above your ceiling. If you hear any scratching or nibbling sounds from your walls or attic, you should have your home inspected for rats.
The Damage And Dangers Rats Can Create Around Your Home
All kinds of dangers can come from having rats in your home. For starters, rats can destroy your clothes, furniture, and home. They will chew on anything that they can get their teeth around. Rats may also chew on the wires that connect your TV, video game console, and other electronics to the electrical outlets, as well as wires in your walls, which could create a potential fire hazard.
Rats are unclean animals that are known to spread a wide range of illnesses, which could include:
- Salmonellosis
- Leptospirosis
- Hantavirus
- Tularemia
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis
Rats can spread these diseases through indirect and direct contact.
Four Simple Rodent Exclusion Tips For Around Your Home
If you want to keep rats away from your home, follow these four easy tips:
- Keep a tight lid on your outdoor trash cans.
- Keep all food in a metal or glass container with a sealable top.
- Keep all the grass in your yard and close to your home cut short.
- Seal up any cracks or gaps around the outside of your house
It is much easier to prevent rats from coming into your home than to treat them once you have an infestation. Following these natural and effective preventative tips will give you a better chance of having a rat-free home.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats Around Your Home
You need to act fast if you see a rat in or around your Frisco home. We use state-of-the-art techniques at All-Safe Pest & Termite to eliminate every rat from your home for good. Call us today to see how we can help you live in a rodent-free home.