Often, when homeowners hear scratching sounds in the ceiling or walls, they hope that whatever is causing that noise will go away on its own. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. When pests like rats search for shelter, food, and water, our homes offer everything they seek, giving them no reason to leave.
This article will explain the signs of rat activity to keep an eye out for and review the risks they pose to your family’s health. We’ll also provide tips to help prevent these dangerous rodents from getting inside. Read on to learn more about rat control in Anaheim with the experts from A-1 Bonded Termite.
Signs Of Rats In The House: Identifying Rat Activity
Rats are nocturnal rodents, and while they are happy to share our space, they try to avoid contact with people. Even though you may not see the actual rodents, they leave plenty of evidence of their activity. The following list describes some of the signs of a rat infestation you might see around the house:
- In dusty areas, you might see footprints that are 1/2 to 1 inch long, often with a tail drag mark in between.
- Rat’s oily fur will leave greasy, dark rub marks along the walls of their pathways.
- You might see capsule-shaped droppings between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch long around the house.
- Watch for gnaw marks on baseboards, furniture, or chewed holes in drywall and cabinets.
If you suspect rats are in your home, it is time to take action. Contact us today at A-1 Bonded Termite to learn more about our rat control services or to schedule a free inspection.
Rat-Borne Diseases: Common Illnesses Transmitted By Rats
Rats are dangerous pests, and when they live inside your home, they can make your family sick in several ways. Rats can cause food poisoning by contaminating your food and food prep surfaces. Their presence in the home can also cause allergy symptoms and asthma attacks.
There are also several diseases rats carry, including rat-bite fever, jaundice, trichinosis, and typhus. These illnesses spread through direct contact with rodents, their urine and feces, and indirectly from the fleas they bring into your home. For assistance eradicating these pests and protecting your family from their risks, contact us today at A-1 Bonded Termite.
Rat Prevention: Simple Measures To Keep Rats Out
Once the rats are out of your home, there are some steps to take to ensure they won’t be coming back. Effective rat prevention involves excluding them from the house and eliminating potential attractants. Here are some simple measures to help keep rats out:
- Eliminate potential food sources by cleaning up any fruit that falls from trees.
- Store trash in receptacles with tight lids.
- Remove access to water by repairing leaking sprinklers or pipes.
- Ensure the crawl space, basement, and attic have adequate ventilation.
- Seal cracks and gaps on the exterior that may provide entryways.
- Cut tree branches back away from the roofline.
The experts at A-1 Bonded Termite are here to help you eliminate your rat problem and prevent them from returning. Contact us today to learn how our services can help control rats and other pests from infesting your home.
Choosing The Right Rat Control: Contact Us To Learn More
Professional rat control is the simplest and most effective way to eradicate these risky pests from your home and ensure they can’t get inside again. Contact us today, A-1 Bonded Termite, to learn more about our rat control services or to request a free inspection.