Nobody enjoys dealing with a rat infestation in or around their Yakima County home. Beyond the damage they can cause to our property, living with rodents can leave us uncomfortable and on edge. Even if we clean our homes to the best of our ability, we don’t know where they may be lurking next.
Getting rid of rats on your own can be quite a task to undertake. Thankfully, Prosite has the best pest control in Yakima County. Read on to learn more about rat infestations and how they might harm your home.
Habits And Behaviors Of Common Rats
One way to be sure if you have rats in your home is to understand their habits and behaviors. Rats have one main motive, and that is survival. Their main focus is finding warmth and food. Rats typically hide in walls, attics, basements, and other less inhabited places. They also burrow and make nests from paper products, insulation, cotton, and other fabrics.
Rats can sense when you’re not around, such as when you’re asleep, and will come out to find food. You can often tell if rats are around if you find rat droppings in your cupboards or gnaw marks on cereal or other food boxes. Also, you can sometimes hear them squeaking in their hiding spots.
The Damage And Dangers Rats Can Create Around Your Home
Often, people don’t fully comprehend the damage rats can cause to your property or the dangers they present. Rats can be a nuisance in your house when they chew through insulation and create gnaw marks on the walls of your home. Rats can also chew through electrical wires, posing the very serious threat of a house fire, something you should take seriously.
In addition, health risks may be on the table when living with a rat problem. Rats carry all sorts of diseases they can transfer to you, your pets, or your children via a rat bite or contact with their feces. Before you know it, you’re racking up a hospital bill.
How To Remove Factors That Attract Rats To Your Home
As stated previously, rats are interested in survival, so they will look for ways to keep warm while searching for food. Your home provides both of these things, especially in the colder months.
Some factors you can remove to help deter rats from entering your home include:
- Seal up any holes on the outside of your property. Rats can enter the smallest openings, even those 1/2 an inch wide.
- Make sure all windows are sealed properly and updated.
- Maintain your lawn and remove or trim back any plant material that may be against the sides of your house.
- Clean up any trash around your home. Keeping a tidy house with food put away in its proper place will help keep rats at bay.
- Make sure trash receptacles outside your home have tight lids.
These are just a few basic ways to begin rat prevention in your home. Making sure your property is tightly sealed is one of the most important ways to keep rats out.
The Safe And Effective Way To Remove Rats From Your Home
The best way to get rid of rats fast, safely, and effectively is to hire a rat pest control company. Purchasing rat poison, traps, or other DIY remedies won’t be as thorough as calling a professional. At Prosite, we make sure every nook and cranny is free of rats and help you keep them from coming back. If you have a rat problem, don’t hesitate to call us today.