The Job Of Pest Control Operators
The treatment and control of indoor pests require the help of persons trained in the field of pest control to reduce their population or eradicate pests that not only do damage costing hundreds or thousands of dollars but also removal of many of these pests that are known to spread disease. The pest population is vast and is a constant threat to homes and business establishments.
For example, Rats that show up at our doorstep are a sign that they are either in search of a food source a water source, and shelter or it may be that they have found one of 2 or 3 which means calling for a pest control operator to get to the bottom of why this/these uninvited (rats) guest have decided to visit our home or business establishment.
Once a rat finds the 3 sources it is seeking, it will set up camp, which spells trouble, especially when it starts to produce offspring (mice), which can become very difficult to control. Rat droppings and urine are another issue to deal with. The odor alone from rat droppings and urine is foul and can cause persons to become ill.
From the contamination and the destruction of food products to the chewing of electrical wires that can become a hazard (fires) putting the lives of persons in danger. These pests must be stamped out to protect lives and property.
Other Problems These Rodents Cause
As we have established rats may be small but they can cause huge damage, here are other property damages rats cause.
- Damage to Clothes
- Damage to Furniture
- Damage to Household Items
- Damage to Landscapes and Edible Garden Crops
- Rats will chew through screen wires
Rat Bite
Rat bites can be deadly and medical assistance must be sorted quickly. Rat bites can cause this list of illnesses.
- Vomiting
- Leptospirosis
- Muscle Pain
- Fever
- Hantavirus
- Rash
- Salmonellosis
- Joint pain or Swelling
Signs of the Presence of Rats
Besides what we have mentioned what are other signs that you may have a rat issue?
Rats and mice have teeth that are razor sharp they use to gnaw on just about anything, from metal, wood, plastic, and electrical wiring to gnaw marks on doors, baseboards, and other objects.
Scratching Noises
Rats are active at night, you may hear the sounds of scratching, scurrying, and gnawing you may also hear noises in your ceiling and walls.
Nesting Materials
Rats and mice are known to have a great love for building nests out of fabric, paper, and insulation. Inspect behind appliances, or in your drawers or cupboards and pantry areas. If shredded fabric or paper is discovered may be a clear indication that rats have taken up residence in your home or business establishment.
How do Rats and Mice Enter Building and Homes
Rats and mice need an entry point to enter homes and business establishments so to deter these pests or to keep them at bay here is what you need to know
1. Open Doors and Windows: Open doors and windows are easy entry points for mice and rats to enter homes and buildings, these rodents are swift and can quickly run up trees, and climb walls and utility lines to gain access.
2. Sewer Systems and Drainage: Rats will use the sewer system and drainage to gain access to homes and buildings. They will seek openings in the sewer lines or climb up pipes.
3. Door and Window Screens: If doors and window screens are damaged and not repaired will provide an easy access point for rats and mice so make sure that your screens are in good repair.
4. Cracks and Holes: What I found so amazing about rats and mice is that they can squeeze through small cracks and holes, they will enter through small holes in floors, walls, and ceilings. They will also enter through utility lines, gaps, vents, and around pipes. Rats are known to squeeze through holes the size of a nickel. Mice can squeeze through a hole as small as a dime.
5. Attics and Roofs: Because rats are great climbers they can easily access your attic by climbing trees, pipes, and up walls, once this happens they can gain entry through vents and other openings.
Rats are One of Many Structural Pests
Rats are one of the many structural pests that can cause lots of damage, there is information on other structural pest and their damage that can be found in the drop-down menu area.
Other Listed Structural Pests
- Ants.
- Roaches.
- Tick.
- Asian beetle.
- Centipedes.
- Fruit flies.
- Drain flies.
- Pantry bugs.
- Dust mites.
- Fleas.
- Termites.
- Silverfish.
- Flies.
- Spiders.
- Stink bugs.
- Mosquitoes.
- Bedbugs.
- Pillbugs.
- Millipedes.
- Carpenter beetles.
Conclusion
From what we have seen the presence of rats in our homes or gardens is a serious threat that must be taken care of immediately, they are not to be taken lightly because of their damage including health-related issues. If you have a rat issue or suspect that these uninvited guests have invaded your home then give us a call or contact us to do a total inspection of your property because at Bug Off Control we work with our clients to ensure they have a pest-free environment!