Signs You Might Need A Rat Exterminator
Originating in Asia and Australia, rats are known for their thin tails and medium size. They are now found worldwide and can be quite a nuisance. Rats have been known for being responsible for transmitting various diseases and destructive habits. Not only that, but their nesting behaviors can cause a building’s integrity to become compromised. They are also somewhat secretive creatures, making it challenging to discover an infestation before too much damage occurs.
Facts About Rats
Rats are quite literally found all over the world. For example, the brown rat, also known as a Norway rat, can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They are also the most common rat. Their entire lives are filled with foraging and mating. Before their babies are born, they will build nests made of any material they can find from the surrounding areas.
If a rat population becomes too large, there will be a hierarchy within the pack. The stronger rats will become the dominant ones, and the weaker ones will become the subordinates. When they feel threatened, rats can become aggressive. They may fight, bite, chase, and even box in those moments.
As far as diet goes, rats are omnivores. That means they can eat food from plant and animal origin. Although, many rats prefer to eat meat and will roam through a human’s trash and eat anything left unprotected. Human environments do provide a plethora of resources when it comes to food.
Signs of a Rat Infestation
Rats tend to be secretive and are good at being unseen by humans, and because of this, identifying an infestation can be tricky and difficult to confirm.
One of the more apparent signs of a possible infestation is if a rat is found dead or alive. Rats tend to hide, so showing up in plain sight is usually a sign of a full-blown infestation. It is also a sign if there are rat droppings found or dirt and grease marks left along walls and floorboards.
Look around for rat runs if the more obvious signs are not there. These are tracks left in grass or lower vegetation areas. These are usually found because they are foraging paths for the rats. Since they tend to use the same path, it is good to look for it.
One other sign to look out for is if there is anything around the home that appears gnawed through. Rats tend to gnaw on things incessantly, especially things made out of plastic and wood. So, if damaged materials or large holes are found, it can be another indicator of an infestation.
What Now?
If signs point to an infestation, the best thing to do would be to get a rat exterminator to solve the problem. Calling a professional will ensure the infestation is dealt with properly. If that is out of the budget, store traps are available. These may work, but since rats tend to be cautious when it comes t unknown objects, a professional is still the best option.
Rats can carry many diseases, so getting rid of them as soon as possible is critical to keep everyone safe and prevent any damage to the property.
