Wise property owners include rats when planning their pest control in Mesa. Rats do very well when they live amongst humans and, unfortunately, ignoring them does not make them go away. Learning about what attracts rats and how to properly get rid of them will ensure that your home is well-protected all year.
How To Tell If It's Rats Infesting Your Home
Roof rats are the most common type of rat to infest Mesa homes and properties. Roof rats are relatively docile as far as wild rats go. They are dark brown or black and have pointed noses, large, dark-colored eyes, and large ears. These rats are long and skinny, measuring up to 16 inches, including their scaley tail. Roof rats are nimble and excellent climbers. As their name suggests, they prefer to live in attics, trees, and on roofs.
Several signs will tell if you have rats on your property. The most obvious sign is spotting a dead or living rat on your property. Droppings are another giveaway that rats are near. Fresh rat droppings are moist and dark. On the other hand, older rat droppings are dry and gray. Rat droppings are found near food sources, baseboards, and piled in corners.
Additionally, rat teeth marks are another common sign of rat activity. Rat incisors, the front teeth on their upper and lower jaws, never stop growing. This causes rats to continuously gnaw and chew to keep their teeth filed down to a manageable size. Rats can chew through cinderblocks, wood, plastic, aluminum, and lead! They often build up their nests with shredded paper and cloth. Likewise, chewed wires and resulting faulty electrical could be a symptom of a rat infestation. Rats have even been known to cause electrical fires. Finally, noises such as shuffling and scratching can be a giveaway of a rat’s presence.
Rats In Your Home Are A Serious Health Hazard
Rats pose a threat to the structural integrity of homes with their constant chewing. Additionally, they can trigger allergic reactions and spread zoonotic diseases. One such disease is rat bite fever. This disease is caused by the bacteria Streptobacillus moniliformis, a bacteria passed through the saliva, urine, or droppings of an infected rat. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and rash. In some cases, rat-bite-fever can lead to an infection of the organs and death.
Another bacteria that rats carry is Rickettsia typhi, which causes flea-borne typhus. When a flea drinks the blood of an infected rat, that flea contracts typhus and can then spread it to a human host. The symptoms of flea-borne typhus include fever, chills, cough, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. Additionally, rats cause food poisoning when they contaminate the food they come into contact with.
Effective Prevention Tips To Keep Rats From Returning
Prevention is always the first line of defense when it comes to any pest. Some easy, yet effective, prevention tips to keep rats away include:
- Be sure that all windows and vents are screened.
- Seal up any holes or cracks larger than a quarter with silicone caulk.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from the home.
- Clean up fruit that may fall from trees in the yard.
- Eliminate any outdoor sources of water such as leaky sprinkler heads, pet water dishes, and birdbaths.
- Keep garbage in properly covered bins.
These tips are a good place to start to keep rats away from your Mesa home.
The Safest Way To Get Rid Of Rats On Your Property
If rats are already on your property then getting rid of roof rats will require professionals, as there are no 100 percent effective home remedies to get rid of rats. We at Pro Active Pest Control offer a wide array of pest control options, including eco-friendly treatments, to tackle all pest issues. With almost a decade of professional experience, we are Mesa's go-to pest control company. For reliable and successful service, reach out to Pro Active Pest Control today!