Rats are intelligent, highly adaptable, social creatures that can become a huge problem when they infest a home. These rodents are commensal, which means they are very comfortable living around people and can grow dependent on humans to provide them with food, water, and shelter, much to a homeowner’s dismay. Whether you want to prevent this pest or have a current rat infestation, this guide is for you.
In this article, we will detail the physical characteristics of rats to help you learn how to identify the species in your home. We’ll also review the hazards rats pose to your health and property. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about rat pest control in Yakima County, including prevention tips and the most effective way to eliminate them with the experts at Prosite.
Physical Characteristics Of Rats: How To Identify A Rat
Two types of rats infest homes in this area: Norway rats and roof rats. We’ll detail the physical characteristics of each to help you get a better idea of which type of rat you are dealing with.
Norway rats have blunt muzzles and small eyes and ears, and some people refer to them as sewer rats or street rats. These rats have long bodies that grow between 7 and 9 1/2 inches long, not including their six to eight inch tails. Norway rats have bristly brown fur interspersed with black and either gray, white, or yellowish fur on the underside.
Roof rats are a species some people call ship rats or black rats. These rats have long, thin bodies between six and eight inches in length, with long, scaly tails and large eyes and ears. Roof rats have soft, smooth brown fur mixed with black, and they can have white, gray, or black undersides.
Roof rats are most likely to nest in attics, while Norway rats typically prefer the basement. Whichever type of rat you have, getting rid of them as soon as possible is a good idea to reduce the chances of them spreading illness or damaging your property. Prosite offers rodent control services in Yakima County to help you eliminate rats and keep them from returning.
Hidden Hazards: Health And Property Risks Posed By Rat Infestations
Rats can create a hazardous environment in your home, putting your health and property at risk. These rodents tend to live in groups and breed quickly, so your rat problem in Yakima County will worsen, and the hazards will keep increasing.
Here are some of the most common dangers of a rat infestation:
- Rat droppings spread harmful bacteria and can trigger allergies.
- Their urine can contaminate water and food with jaundice.
- Rats can be aggressive if they sense a threat and might bite or scratch in defense, which can cause rat-bite fever.
- These rodents often carry fleas and ticks, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
- Rats inside walls can damage electrical wiring and create a fire hazard.
- They will chew through almost anything, including plastic and lead pipes.
If you suspect rats are infesting your house, the sooner you can get them out, the safer your family and home will be. Contact us today at Prosite to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.
Top Rat Prevention Tips: How To Keep Your Home Rodent-Free
After you eliminate your rat problem, it is time to ensure they can’t get back inside.
Here are some pro tips to prevent a future infestation and keep rats away from your Yakima County home:
- Seal any gaps on the exterior of your house that are larger than a nickel to prevent rats from squeezing through.
- Eliminate sources of moisture such as leaky pipes or faucets.
- Store food in rodent-proof containers.
- Store trash in containers with a tight seal.
- Keep firewood and debris piles away from the house.
Prosite is here to help you eliminate rats and can offer even more rat prevention tips to keep them from returning. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or to find out more about our services.
Professional Rat Control: The Most Effective Elimination Solution
The most effective way to get rid of rats in your home and prevent their return is to team up with a company that provides professional rat control. Because rats create such a dangerous environment, the sooner they are gone, the better. Contact Prosite today with any questions or to schedule your consultation and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Yakima County.