RatRats are furry animals that love to chew. They cause significant damage as well as spread disease to humans or their pets. What are the best ways to get rid of a rat infestation? Read on for more information on Virginia rat extermination and what you can do to help protect your family and home.

If you see any damage to your home or evidence of rat activity, you should take action by sealing the outside of your home, removing any food sources or shelter spots, and calling a professional to help you trap or eliminate the infestation. 

Below we will look at the signs you have a rat infestation in Virginia, what attracts the rats, and get a professional's help to remove them.

Signs of Rats in Your Home

You may notice a few different signs of rats infesting and living in your Virginia home. Below we will list some things to look for to spot a rat infestation in your Virginia home.

  • Smells or Sounds

The first way you may notice a rat infestation in your Virginia home is by hearing strange scratching, squeaking, or other unexplained noises. Rats tend to be loud, especially at night or other times it is quiet. They can give off a strong ammonia smell from the scent of their urine. If you have unexplained noises or smells, it could be a sign of a rat infestation.

  • Evidence of droppings

Observing any droppings in or around your home will be a strong indication that you have a rat infestation. Rat droppings will be small and dark and will resemble pellets. They will be found along the main pathways the rat will use when traveling through your Virginia home. They will also leave dark smudges and smears along the walls.

  • Footprints

Another way to check if you are experiencing a rat infestation is to look for evidence of footprints in dusty or other areas that may leave tracks. If you suspect you have rats traveling in or next to your home, sprinkle a layer of baking soda before nightfall and return in the morning to see if there is any evidence of rat movement in the baking soda.

  • Damage to Your Home

Rats are constantly chewing and gnawing on things. They will chew on almost anything in your Virginia home including wood, concrete, furniture, or even paper. Rats chewing on wires can cause fires. If you find any evidence of damage or unexplained holes in your house they may be the result of rats chewing on your house.

What Attracts Rats

Rats are attracted to your Virginia home for the same needs all humans and animals have in life; food, water, and shelter. Rats scavenge for food and will eat anything they can find. They may even kill small animals such as lizards and birds for a food source.

Rats can survive for months without drinking water. They will get the water they will need from the food they consume. If they do need to drink water, they will find it in drains, pet dishes, and condensation from the pipes in the walls.

Rats can make a shelter in any part of your Virginia home they feel will be safe. They can build nests from grass, cloth, or paper underneath furniture, in the walls, or in any unused spots they find. They will also live in or under large appliances such as washing machines or refrigerators.

How to Rid Your Home of Rats

To rid your Virginia home of rats, start by inspecting the outside of your home and repairing any gaps and holes you find. Rats will squeeze in holes you can stick two finders in. It will help to fill the gaps you find with steel wool, concrete, or metal plates to deter the rats from making new holes.

Cleaning up around and inside your home eliminates the sources of food and shelter the rats may find in your home. Pet food and trash left out overnight can provide a food source for rats. Eliminate any potential nesting areas and remove nests if you do discover them inside your home.

Calling professionals

After finding evidence of a rat infestation you should contact the best rat control company in Virginia. The professionals at My Pest Pros will be the best assistance to trap or remove your rat infestation. They use a three-step system to inspect, protect, and prevent when treating your Virginia home.

My Pest Pros can determine where to set up live traps in and around your home to catch the rats that have caused damage to your Virginia home. They can also use glue traps or snap traps to safely eliminate your rat infestation.

The bottom line on Virginia Rat Extermination

If you are dealing with a rat infestation or find evidence of a rat infestation in your Virginia home, contact the professionals at My Pest Pros. at 703-665-4455. We are experienced in rat extermination in Virginia. We will work to get and keep your Virginia home rat-free, and can also help with all your pest control needs.