When was the last time you saw a rat? Some people are fortunate enough to go their entire lives without ever spotting one of these invasive pests. Maybe you own one as a pet and can’t imagine how it could ever be a problem inside homes. Regardless of your experience with these furry creatures, we are here to tell you they are not an animal you want inside your home. Here are some things you should know about rats, including one trick to control them after they get inside Queens Creek homes.
Pet Vs. Pest Rats
There is a vast difference between pet rats and pest rats. Pet rats are kept inside a cage, fed clean food, and have plenty of opportunities to bathe themselves. On the other hand, pest rats are allowed to roam freely, regularly consume garbage and decaying organisms, and only make themselves sick when they bathe themselves. This makes them more dangerous and allows them more opportunities to get into trouble.
The Dangers Of Rats
Rats are dangerous creatures that regularly carry bacteria, pathogens, and parasites. Inside homes, they spread these disease-causing organisms over countertops, left out food, and surfaces where people interact. Rats are also hosts for other disease-carrying pests like fleas and ticks. If you have indoor pets, these smaller parasites could be a huge threat, not just to your health but to theirs as well.
The Time Window Where You Can Control Rats
Controlling rats after they invade is a delicate process. Elimination has to occur within a few weeks of these pests invading for infestations not to grow out of hand. If rats have just invaded your home, we recommend placing traps baited with peanut butter near areas they travel. If your problem goes away within two weeks, great! If not, highly consider getting a professional involved.
How Important It Is To Solve Rat Problems Quickly
The last thing you should ever do is allow rats to live inside your home for extended periods. All it takes is one bad interaction for you, your family, or one of your pets to get very sick. We recommend avoiding sickness while rats are inside by cleaning up their fecal matter and urine using cleaning tools and safety equipment. Continue doing this after they are gone as well.
Some Ways To Prevent Rats
If your home does not currently have a rat infestation, today is your day to make sure things stay that way. To help you reduce your chances of finding these pests indoors, try these prevention tips:
- Clear up debris and clutter around your home.
- Trim back branches five feet away from your home’s exterior.
- Fill in holes and cracks in your home's foundation using a caulking gun and some steel wool.
- Address moisture problems.
- Store food properly.
- Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
- Keep your home clean and clutter-free.
When To Get A Professional Involved
Just because rats can be handled without professional help does not mean the job will be easy. These invasive pests are dangerous, destructive, and the last creatures you want to be sharing your living areas with. To make sure rats get out of your Queen Creek home, involve the pest experts at Pro Active Pest Control. We will evaluate your home for signs of rodents, remove current threats from your living areas, and help establish lasting control measures to keep these pests out in the future.
Call today to schedule your Queen Creek for a detailed service visit.