At the first sign of a rat in your home, you rush to your laptop and do one of two searches:
Professional pest control services can be on the pricier side, depending on the scale of your infestation, and many people will first try to get the vermin out on their own. But DIY, natural or holistic solutions can not only end up costing you more in the long run, they are unreliable solutions that might deter the rats for a short while but won’t ultimately solve your problem
Cutting off the source
The best offense is a good defense.
In other words, do what you can to prevent a rat or mouse infestation in the first place.
Rats are scavengers and will be attracted to whatever food is left out in the open. Uncovered leftovers, crumbs on the floor and countertops, open garbage cans or outside bins and dumpsters will appeal to rats, and once they’re fed, they will stay where they know they have a food source. Avoid leaving food out, sweep and mop regularly, and dispose of food waste correctly in containers that have sealing lids.
But food isn’t the only thing that calls to rats. Rats drink a substantial amount of water for a creature so small, so they’re likely to build a nest near an available water source. This includes leaky pipes, dripping faucets or even a pet’s water bowl. Check your house, both inside and out, for any water source likely to attract a rat and remedy the situation before it gets out of hand; if a rat burrows is way into your house by means of a drain it can cause even more damage.
Warmth and shelter during the colder seasons are other motivators for vermin. Check the exterior of your home regularly for cracks, holes and other weak points that may be used as a point of entry. Pay extra close attention to walls near a compost bin or garbage can. Both rats and mice can squeeze through openings much smaller than they are, so don’t write any slit off as insignificant.
Finally, rats will be attracted to the smell of other rats. If you’ve had a rat infestation before, it’s possible that they’ll come back to the familiar spot or a new group will take over if the site hasn’t been cleaned and the nest disposed of properly. This is exactly why expert pest control services are worth paying for.
Health Risks Associated with Rats
Rats and mice are known to carry up to 35 diseases including salmonella, hantavirus, and tularemia, which spread through their saliva, droppings, or bites. As such, they and their nests need to be handled and disposed of properly and with care. If you suspect you have a rat and go investigating on your own, without proper equipment for ventilation, you put yourself at risk of exposure to these diseases.
The Bottom Line
DIY pest control might seem like a doable, cheaper alternative to professional pest control services, but when we get right down to it, it’s easy to see how fighting the problem on your own is just not worth it. Leave it to the professionals. Click here to get in touch with expert pest control services and take back your home today.