Why You Shouldn’t Hesitate To Call The Pros For Rats In Jacksonville

The last thing anyone wants to hear is a family member screaming that they saw a rat. Jacksonville, NC pest control companies frequently receive calls to get rid of rats in our area. When rats enter your home, they threaten your family’s health because of the many diseases rats carry.

In addition to endangering our health, they can also cause severe damage to our homes. The most common types of rats that invade homes in Jacksonville, NC are roof rats and Norway rats. You can read on to learn some signs of rats to look out for and the most effective way to eliminate them from your home.

Clear Signs Of Rats In Your House

Here are some of the signs of rats in your house to be on the lookout for:

• Droppings: Roof rat droppings have pointed ends, and Norway rat droppings have blunt ends.
• Gnaw marks: Rats must constantly gnaw on things to keep their teeth from growing too big. They will also gnaw to create passages and gain access to food and water sources.
• Damaged goods: Rats will tear into food packages, so investing in rat-proof containers is critical. Norway rats will eat anything and have a particular fondness for dog food; roof rats prefer fruits and vegetables.
• Strange sounds: You may hear the scratching sounds of rats inside walls or attics.

Any of the above signs indicate a rat problem, and you should reach out to a local pest control company before you have a full-blown infestation.

Rats Cause Property Damage & Spread Diseases

All types of rats that enter our homes can cause serious problems, primarily because of the numerous diseases rats carry. Both roof rats and Norway rats spread diseases, including rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, jaundice, and cowpox virus, to name a few. Rats infect every surface they touch, which can cause contamination of your food and food prep areas.

Rats can also cause severe property damage from their incessant chewing. Furniture, drywall, and support structures can all be affected. Rats inside walls can chew through electrical wires creating the potential for a fire. Norway rats can even gnaw through plastic and lead pipes to access food and water.

Why It Is So Hard To Get Rid Of Rats On Your Own

Here are a few of the reasons it is difficult to get rid of rats on your own:

• Rats reproduce incredibly fast, so even if you catch one rat in a trap, there are likely many more around.
• Over-the-counter pest control for rats is often ineffective. Rat control and baits may work for a short time, but rats will quickly learn to avoid them.
• There are ultrasonic and electromagnetic devices marketed to consumers as safe rat control; unfortunately, they quickly become accustomed to them and will learn to ignore them.
• Finding rats inside walls, attics, or basements can be difficult because they will try to hide from people as much as possible.

Mishandling any baits or traps for rats can endanger your family and pets; it is best to leave this to the professionals.

The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats Around Your Home

The most effective way to get rid of rats in your home is to reach out to a local company with experience in pest control for rats. If you notice any signs of a rat problem, get help as soon as possible. These pests seriously endanger your home and your family. At B&T Pest Control, our service team members know how to eliminate rats and can help you keep them from returning. Call to get your free quote today.