The best time to call an exterminator for rats is as soon as there are signs of rats in the house such as droppings, bite marks, or even a sighting of a rodent whether dead or alive. Don’t delay since rodents not only damage property but also carry communicable diseases. Left unchecked, a couple of rats can quickly become a rat infestation.
In this article, we will cover why there might be rats in your house, what attracts rats, and how to get rid of them.
Why Are There Rats in My House?
Your home offers rats two of their most vital survival needs: shelter and food. One of the main reasons why rats are drawn to suburban homes is the promise of warmth when the weather turns down. Since rats warm-blooded mammals like us, they cannot adapt to their environmental temperatures and must find adequate shelter to survive.
There are a number of ways that a rat can find its way into your home including open basement or attic windows, gaps in the foundation, chimney or vent opening, or cracks in the roofing. If the opening is large enough to allow a rat access, it will get in. Rats are not an easy problem to solve on your own, so we strongly recommend calling an exterminator for rats or mice such as My Pest Pros.
What Attracts Rats?
Rats are primarily attracted by food and a warm place to sleep. In the warmer months, food is the main attractant while shelter becomes more dire as the weather turns colder. If you leave any food unsealed or even crumbs that haven’t been cleaned up in the kitchen, rats will take advantage and enter your house.
They will take advantage of cracks, but they will also chew through your walls, wires, and insulation not to mention cardboard boxes and potentially plastic bags to get to the food in your pantry. So, make sure to keep your food in sealed containers and your kitchen free of stray food bits.
Rats are increasingly a problem beyond urban areas. New construction and development in the Virginia and Maryland suburbs, nearby restaurants and shopping centers, and even backyard chickens can contribute to the spread of rats to your neighborhood.
How Do I Get Rid of the Rats in My House?
There are several methods for getting rid of a rat infestation. You can try to get rid of the rodents yourself by place baits and traps inside or outside your home or business. However, this is not recommended if you have children or pets. Incorrect use of bait and traps can also lead to secondary poisoning of birds, squirrels, neighborhood cats and dogs, and other animals.
One of the most effective rat eradication methods is by setting up baited traps around your house, especially in the areas where you have seen rodents or evidence of rodents such as droppings or nests.
However, the best way to deal with your rat problem is to call in a professional. Rat exterminators like My Pest Pros who are based out of Fairfax, Virginia, and serve the greater Washington D.C. area, can help you efficiently and effectively get rid of the rats in your home and prevent them from returning.
Conclusion
Rats are not only annoying pests, but they can also cause a lot of damage and carry diseases. Your home is the perfect place to nest and find food. Let them know they are not welcome by hiring a pest control service to eliminate the rats and stop them from coming back. contact My Pest Pros today at 703-665-4455. and schedule your treatment! and We'll Get Rid of What's Bugging You!