Rat Control in Spokane
Safeguarding Your Home from Rat-Borne Health Risks
Discovering rats in your Spokane home can be alarming, as they are one of the most destructive pests. They can cause serious property damage by gnawing through electrical wires, plumbing, and insulation, creating fire hazards and costly repairs. More importantly, rats pose significant health risks by contaminating your home.
At Prosite, our licensed and insured professionals bring nearly 15 years of expertise to solve your rat problem definitively. We utilize a science-driven approach to not only eliminate the current infestation but also to identify and seal entry points, providing a comprehensive, long-term solution for your home.
Get a lasting solution to your rat infestation. Call (509) 478-1925 or contact us online for expert Rat Control.
Warning Signs of a Rat Infestation
Rats are nocturnal and secretive, so you may not see one directly until an infestation is well-established. However, they leave behind distinct evidence of their presence. Recognizing these warning signs early is critical for preventing a small problem from turning into a major crisis requiring extensive intervention.
Be on the lookout for these common indicators of rat activity:
- Droppings: Finding dark, spindle-shaped droppings, typically about half an inch long, is a primary sign. They are often concentrated in specific areas, like along walls, in cupboards, or under sinks.
- Gnaw Marks: Rats must constantly chew to keep their teeth filed down. Look for fresh gnaw marks on wood, plastic, electrical cables, and food packaging.
- Noises in Walls or Ceilings: Scratching, squeaking, or scurrying sounds, especially at night, often point to rodents moving around within your home's structure.
- Nests or Burrows: Rats build nests out of shredded materials like paper, fabric, and insulation. You may find these hidden in dark, secluded areas like attics, basements, or behind appliances.
- Rub Marks: Rats tend to run along the same paths, leaving dark, greasy marks on walls and baseboards from the oils and dirt on their fur.
If you spot any of these signs, it's crucial to act quickly. A professional inspection can determine the extent of the issue and the best course of action.
The Dangers of DIY Rat Control
While it may be tempting to handle a suspected rat problem with store-bought traps and poisons, this approach is often ineffective and can be risky. Rats are intelligent and cautious creatures, frequently avoiding poorly placed traps, which only prolongs the infestation and allows them to continue breeding.
Furthermore, DIY methods pose a direct health risk. Handling traps or cleaning up droppings without proper protective gear can expose you and your family to dangerous pathogens. Poisons also present a danger to children and pets and can result in rats dying in walls, creating terrible odors.
The biggest failure of DIY control is its inability to address the core problem: how the rats are getting in. Without professionally identifying and sealing all entry points, any rats you remove will simply be replaced by new ones, creating a frustrating and endless cycle of infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I Need Professional Rat Removal?
If you notice droppings, gnaw marks, scratching noises, or an unusual odor, a professional assessment is highly recommended. Quick action limits property damage and health risks while ensuring effective removal and prevention.
How Long Does the Rat Removal Process Take?
Most standard infestations in Spokane can be controlled within a few visits, but the timeline varies based on property size and severity. Prevention planning and exclusion can often be completed in parallel for efficiency.
Are Your Rat Control Methods Safe for Children & Pets?
Yes, we prioritize safe, science-backed solutions. All methods are chosen with your family’s safety in mind and meet regulations set by state and local authorities.
Do I Need to Leave My Home During Service?
Not usually. Most of our removal and exclusion work can be performed while you remain at home, with minimal disruption.
How Can I Prevent Rats from Returning?
We recommend sealing any gaps, keeping food stored securely, reducing clutter, and staying on a regular maintenance schedule. Our team will provide specific guidance tailored to Spokane conditions and your unique property risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you provide wildlife control services in Spokane?No, we only offer wildlife control services to customers in Kittitas & Yakima counties.
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Skunks
Their most unique feature is their black body which has a white stripe starting at their head and divides into two stripes that travel down their entire body and tail. But, their most identifiable characteristic is the extremely foul odor that skunks spray from glands found at the base of their tail as a defense mechanism. If sprayed directly into a person's or animal's eyes the spray can cause temporary blindness.
Adult skunks grow to between 20 and 30 inches in length, with their tail adding 7-15 inches to their total length. Adults weigh between 2.5 and 11.5 pounds (i.e. the size of a small housecat).
*Limited services available for skunks.
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Raccoons
Raccoons have many easily recognizable physical features including a black “mask” of fur that surrounds their eyes, fluffy black and gray ringed tails, and a hunched appearance caused because their hind legs are longer than their front legs. Their bodies are covered in dense salt and peppered colored fur. Raccoons may grow to up to three feet in length and weigh between 10 and 30 pounds.
