Are you tired of unexpected furry house guests popping up unannounced and then staying for a while? If you live in San Diego, this scenario may sound eerily familiar. Rats aren’t the type of visitors that are gracious enough to leave things the way they found them. In fact, they have a tendency to chew through anything in their way, making your home look like the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Fortunately, Green Flash Pest Control provides the most effective services to eliminate different types of rats around your house to reestablish your healthy and comfortable living again. Continue reading to learn more about these destructive rodents and why you should partner with San Diego pest control professionals to get them out of your home once and for all.
What Do Rats Look Like?
Although their appearance may vary depending on the species, most rats are recognizable by their large ears, small, beady eyes, and a long, pointy snout. They have a hairless, scaly tail that’s longer than their body with fur that can range in color from brown to black. Adult rats can grow up to 12 inches in length (not including their tail) and can weigh anywhere from half an ounce to over a pound.
Rats' slender and agile bodies allow them to squeeze through small gaps and tight spaces. Their nimbleness, coupled with their slim bodies, allows them to squeeze through the smallest gaps and tight spaces. If you believe you have a rat problem inside your home, contact your local pest control company, like Green Flash Pest Control, for assistance.
Rats Can Damage Property And Spread Dangerous Diseases
Rats can be much more than just a nuisance. They can pose serious threats to both your property and your health. These rodents have strong, sharp teeth that allow them to gnaw through the toughest materials, including wood, plastic, fiberglass, soft concrete, electrical wires, and even brick! This can cause significant damage to your home or business and can create a fire hazard if they chew through utility cables.
In addition to physical damage, rats can also transmit bacteria, parasites, and viruses, as well as spread dangerous diseases to people and pets. Some of the most common diseases associated with rats include lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and hantavirus. If you notice these rodents around, the best course of action to take is to contact professional rat control services right away. Green Flash Pest Control can lend you a hand.
Why Do I Have Rats In My House?
Are you puzzled as to why rats have targeted your home for an extended stay? You could be providing luxurious accommodations that make it irresistible for them to leave. The main attraction for rodents is food. Rats are scavengers and will eat just about anything, including human food, pet food, and garbage. Leaving food out or having it sit in open containers is like welcoming rats into your home for dinner.
Additionally, like all living creatures, rats need H2O to survive and are attracted to water sources. So, if you have standing water, leaky pipes, or areas with excess moisture, rats may be paying you a visit. Also, your home is a comfy, cozy, and safe place for these rodents to nest and breed, so don’t make it easy for them to enter. Examine your home for openings or gaps in the walls and foundation. Rats can even enter through breaches in your roof.
And now, you have an even bigger incentive to keep your residence as clean as a whistle. Rats love to hide in cluttered spaces, such as inside cardboard boxes or within piles of paper or clothing. They'll use these and other materials, like stuffing from your sofa, to build a nest to raise their young.
Lastly, you could be dealing with rats because of the activity in your neighborhood, especially if you live near restaurants or dumpsters where the food and water sources are plentiful. If you’re wondering how to get rid of rats for good, consult with a qualified pest control service in your area, like Green Flash Pest Control.
Tips To Prevent Rats From Returning To Your Property
What are the best rat prevention methods out there? We provided some tips below to help keep your residence rodent-free:
- Remove food and water sources.
- Keep a neat and tidy home.
- Seal up any visible breaches.
- Trim your trees and shrubs.
And if you notice any signs of rodent activity, including rat droppings, contact Green Flash Pest Control. We have over 25 years of combined experience in the pest management field, offering reliable and advanced solutions to rid your home of rodents and other common household nuisance pests. Reach out to us today so that we can schedule your courtesy inspection.