Rat problems are not something new in Dallas, giving homeowners headaches for centuries. These pests cause billions of dollars of damage nationally every year.
Rats are sneaky and often stay in undisturbed areas of your house. It can be weeks or months before you even notice that there’s a problem. Damages from rats include damage to drywall, electrical lines, HVAC, and insulation. Their droppings can also contaminate food and water, causing the spread of disease.
Signs of a Rat Infestation
Rat droppings are shiny, black, and measure a little less than an inch long. Their droppings are much larger than those from mice. Squeaking and scratching in your attic, basement, or walls, especially at night, is also a surefire indicator.
Nesting materials include shredded paper, dead leaves, and scraps of fabric. Urine trails revealed by blacklight can also be a tip-off.
Are your pets upset or acting strangely? Catching the scent and sound of rats can cause animals to become nervous and jumpy.
Damages that Rats Cause
Rats cause two primary types of damage: physical damage to your home and adverse effects on your health.
Structural Damage
Rats chew relentlessly on various items. Not only do they do this for nesting material and food, but also because their front teeth never stop growing. This constant chewing can cause a great deal of damage.
Rat teeth are extremely hard, so they can chew through almost anything. Plastic, wood, brick, cement, lead, aluminum, and cinder blocks are all materials that are vulnerable to rats. Burrowing rats can weaken foundations, causing thousands of dollars in damages.
Rats often chew on insulation, which can create perfect conditions for electrical fires.
Health Risks
Rats still carry bubonic plague in addition to hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and tapeworms. One of the most common ways rats transmit disease is through their droppings. Adult rats can produce up to 60 fecal pellets a day which can pile up rapidly.
Handing these pellets or consuming contaminated food and water puts you at risk of contracting these and other diseases. Avoid handling rats yourself as their bites can transmit disease as well.
Rat Prevention Tips for Dallas Homeowners
There are some simple steps to take to discourage rats from entering your Dallas home.
Tightly seal all food and trash items. Don’t keep fruit or vegetables out on your counters, as they are potential food sources for hungry rats. For food storage, opt for airtight glass, hard plastic, or stainless steel containers. The same rules apply to pet food as well.
Some rat prevention techniques might even score you a few points with your neighbors. Keep vegetation trimmed and your yard clutter-free. Promptly repairing any leaky pipes or clogged drains are key ways to keep your home from providing rats with their essential needs.
If they can’t find what they need at your home, they won’t stick around.
Dependable Rat Damage Solutions
With over ten years of experience, our dependable professionals are here to provide you with the highest quality pest control services in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston areas.
General Rat Control Services
General rat control covers any existing rat damage to roofs, foundations, air ducts, garages, and sheds.
Emergency Rat Repair and Removal Services
If you have an emergency, give us a call. Our team is always ready to respond to emergency rat removal and repairs.
Home Decontamination Service
Decontamination services are critical after a rat removal. Pest control experts know exactly how to mitigate the associated health risks. Professional decontamination ensures that your home is safe and free of dangerous diseases.
Home Rat-Proofing
Our home rat-proofing services include sealing potential entry points with caulk, covering utility pipe opening with fine metal mesh, and installing door sweeps and weather stripping.
Once you see any signs of rat infestation or visible damage caused by rats, call Romney Pest Control. We’ll help you get rid of your rat or any other pest problem right away!
