A Comprehensive Guide To Evaluating And Understanding Rats In The Home

Rodent Exterminator

Giving rats a home in your house is not something anyone wants to face, but it can happen to even the cleanest and most vigilant homeowner. Rats are crafty creatures and will go to great lengths to find a place to nest and thrive in. Home owners in the Brookline, Massachusetts area have a wide range of pest control options available to them. To ensure your home is fully protected, this article from F&W Exterminators will provide an in-depth look into rats and how to keep them away.

What Are the Typical Causes of Rat Infestations?

When it comes to rat infestations, it is important to first understand the typical factors that can contribute to them. Rats can enter a home or property through small openings, cracks, and crevices. Areas such as pet doors, garage doors, and crawlspaces are especially vulnerable to rat access. Additionally, rats may enter in search for food or water, which is commonly found in the kitchen and plumbing of a home.

Identifying Signs of a Rat Infestation

Once in the home, rats will typically move about and leave signs of their presence. Feces, either from the rat itself or from you noticing droppings, is the most common sign of rat activity. Chewed boxes or food packaging is another indicator, as well as suspicious sounds from ceilings and walls.

The Difference Between Norway Rats and Roof Rats

Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the two most common rat varieties: Norway rats and Roof rats. Norway rats are common throughout Brookline and are highly adaptable, meaning they can thrive in many different environments. They are larger than the Roof rat, reaching 20-inch body lengths and are typically gray-brown in color. Roof rats, on the other hand, are smaller in size and prefer to stay high up near ceilings or cupboards. They are also darker in color than Norway rats and tend to make rat nests inside walls.

Preventing Rat Infestations

In order to prevent rats from entering the home, homeowners must ensure that their property is free from food and water sources. This measure helps keep them away as they will not be able to find sustenance. In addition, homeowners should look for any small openings, cracks, or crevices around the home and seal or plug them up with caulk or steel wool where needed.

Treatments for Rat Infestations

For those who are facing an infestation of rats in their home, it is best to hire a professional exterminator to take care of the problem. Professional exterminators are able to use a variety of treatments that are most suitable for the rat population and location within the home.

By utilizing traps, baiting, exclusion techniques, and rodenticides, the exterminator will be able to effectively reduce the rat population and keep them away long-term. It is also important to note that an exterminator should always follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to ensure safe and optimal pest control with minimal use of pesticides if necessary.

Conclusion

Having rats in the home is a major nuisance and can cause serious health risks. With that in mind, it is important for homeowners to stay vigilant and look out for the signs of a rat infestation. It is also important to take the necessary steps to prevent rats from getting into the home in the first place.

For those who are already facing an infestation of rats in their Brookline home, the best advice is to hire a professional exterminator. Professional exterminators will have the best products and techniques to reduce the infestation and offer a safe and effective solution for the homeowner.

F&W’s integrated pest management approach (IPM) provides the professional quality you need with the environmentally responsible quality of a DIY approach. Trust the expert exterminators at F&W to get rid of your mosquitoes this season. Get a free quote to start debugging your space today.

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Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues including termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and more! Long-term protection is right at your reach with the help of our highly trained team of exterminators in the Greater Boston area. Don’t allow pests to take over your home, put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home. With our help, you won’t have to spend any more free time implementing DIY extermination methods!

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