Safe Pest Control carry pathogens that can cause diseases in humans and they damage buildings and other structures by chewing wires, gnawing through drywall and other materials. They also contaminate food that is not properly stored, tamper with utilities, and cause fire hazards by chewing on electrical wires. Because rats are nocturnal, they often go unnoticed but their droppings and other signs are a clear indication of an infestation.
The most effective way to control a rat infestation is through a combination of sanitation, exclusion and trapping. During a pest control treatment, potential entry points are closed, rats’ food sources and nesting areas are removed, and gnawed or chewed materials are repaired. In addition, the use of rodent baits and traps is used to control the rat population.
The Role of Rat Pest Control in Protecting Your Home and Health
The most common entry point for rats into the home is through an open door or gap under a window. Make sure doors close tightly and put self-closing mechanisms in place. Replace any wooden door frames or thresholds with steel ones, and install metal windows that can’t be gnawed. Use garbage receptacles that are sturdy and sealed, and remove bird feeders from the yard. Seal any openings around utility pipes, vents and foundation walls with caulk, and cover them with a barrier of wire mesh or sheet metal that can’t be gnawed. Close any open sewer accesses, and fix plumbing leaks to cut off a water source for rats. Sanitation and exclusion are the most important steps in preventing a rat problem, but traps may be needed to eliminate an already established infestation.