Rodents are one of the most common types of pests to plague your home or business. If you stumble across rat droppings, holes in walls, or the crawly critters themselves, you might be wondering how to get started with rat removal. These pests can be very dangerous, and rat removal should be done with the utmost care and attention. Below we share our top do’s and don’ts to get this pest problem under control.
Do Inspect Your Property Regularly
It is not uncommon for rats to go unnoticed for periods of time, as these little creatures are very skilled at concealing their presence. Take the time to regularly look out for signs of rodent activity, so that you can focus on rat removal before the problem becomes too big. Rat droppings are one of the most common signs that rodents are present in the area, so keep a close eye out for these in any areas where rodents could be living.
Don’t Leave Food Out
Rats and other pests will thrive in areas where there is plenty of food available for them. When you are working on rat removal, you should never leave food sources out or in reach of rodents. Rats have a powerful sense of smell and can sniff out crumbs and leftovers from long distances, this also includes pet food and wild bird food, removal of all food sources is required.
Do Seal Any Entrance Points
Small rodents such as mice and larger ones like rats can squeeze their way through tiny spaces, so even the smallest hole in your wall, roof, or guttering could be a potential entrance. Seal off any entry points with steel wool and expanding foam or caulk as part of your rat removal process. This step is critical for preventing infestations from occurring time and time again.
Don’t Over Use Strong Chemicals
One common issue we see with rat removal is that homeowners assume using more of a pesticide will eliminate the problem faster or more effectively. Using too much of these harsh chemicals can be very harmful to everyone involved, so always follow the instructions carefully and read the whole label. You should also never just throw or sprinkle the poison on the ground, rat or mouse poison needs to be placed within a locked rodent box to prevent non-target animals, pets and even children from eating the poison bait.
Do Enlist The Help Of A Professional
Rat removal can be challenging, especially in large properties or awkward spaces. Getting a professional in to handle rat removal on your behalf means you can relax and know you are in safe hands. At Area Pest Control, we are experts in rat removal and can help with everything from eliminating rodents to pest-proofing the property. Contact us today.
