Do You Have Rodents In Your Home? Here’S What Weston Homeowners Need To Know About Keeping Rats Away
Rodent Exterminator
Living with rodents in the home can be highly annoying and potentially dangerous if left unchecked. Even more so in the town of Weston, Massachusetts, as the seasonally warm, humid weather makes ideal pest conditions for rats and other rodents. The issue of Weston rodents continues to be problematic, as evidenced by an increase in reported sightings of rats and other pests in the area.
For some people, hiring an exterminator may be an option; however, there are several do-it-yourself solutions homeowners can try. In this article, we will explain some of the most effective techniques for keeping rats away from your home in Weston.
Overview of Rats
Rats are small mammals common in Weston and other parts of Massachusetts. While some people may be familiar with the common house rat, there are several species of rats which could potentially invade Weston homes.
These rodents often carry and transmit viral and bacterial infections, including rat-bite fever, hantavirus and Salmonella. Additionally, rats may infest homes with parasites such as fleas and ticks and cause damage to furniture, insulation and building materials.
Signs of an Infestation
The most obvious sign of a rat infestation is seeing the rodents running around your home or in your yard. However, there are other signs you can look out for to determine if you have an issue.
The presence of droppings is a telltale sign of rats. They appear as small black or dark brown rods about 1/8 of an inch long. In addition, you might see materials or food scattered around the floor, gnaw marks on furniture and wirings, and unpleasant odors coming from hard-to-reach places near walls and ceilings.
Prevention
The best way to prevent an infestation is to take measures to stop rats from entering the home in the first place. This is much easier said than done, as rats can squeeze through very small openings.
The most effective way to prevent a rat infestation is to maintain an effective home pest control program. Here are some tips to help you get started:
? Inspect your home regularly for any signs of rat activity.
? Repair any holes, cracks or crevices in walls and foundations, focusing on the exterior of the home since rats can enter through very small openings.
? Seal windows and doors with a quality weather stripping.
? Keep your house and yard clean and free of debris, especially in areas like the attic and around the foundation.
? Store garbage in sealed bins and ensure food is disposed of in the correct manner.
? Install tight-fitting mesh lids on all vents and chimneys to stop rats from entering your home.
? Eliminate standing water, especially in the yard, as rats need water to survive.
? Remove pet food and other food sources from the yard to make it less appealing to rats.
? Finally, if signs of a rat infestation are found, contact a professional pest control company to take care of the problem.
Trapping
Traps are a common method of catching and removing rats from the home. Traps come in either a traditional snap-trap or a live trap, and can be quite effective when set correctly.
If you opt for snap-traps, use quality bait such as peanut butter, bacon, or other high-protein food. Live traps can be easily set and reset and should be placed in areas where rats are most active. If you do choose to use a live trap, you must have a plan to humanely move the rat to another location.
Baiting
Baiting is a method of using poison to kill rats. While baiting is typically more effective than trapping, there are several drawbacks and potential risks. It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with using poison, because rats can die anywhere in your home and create unpleasant odors.
Additionally, baiting might target non-target animals such as pets and wildlife which could find the bait and consume it, potentially leading to a more serious problem. If you do choose to use bait, quality bait stations are recommended for better controlling the spread of the poison.
Repel Rodents
Using natural repellents is another option. These repellents are designed to make the environment less desirable to rats by affecting their sense of smell and taste. Examples of repellents include peppermint oil, castor oil, and cayenne pepper. However, the application of these treatments must be applied consistently to create a long-term solution.
Get Professional Assistance
If you have an infestation of rats in your home or think that you might, then the most reliable and efficient way to deal with them is to call in a professional pest control company. At F&W Pest Control, we offer residential, commercial and industrial pest control services tailored to your specific pest control needs. Our pest control experts are experienced in identifying rodent infestation and eliminating it.
We use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to achieve optimal pest control in Massachusetts with minimal use of pesticides, and all our services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Conclusion
Dealing with an infestation of rats in your home can be a stressful and daunting experience. But if you take the proper steps to prevent an infestation and eliminate any existing ones, the problem can be managed before it escalates. Follow the tips outlined in this article and if need be, contact a professional pest control company to quickly and properly solve the issue.
Pest Control Near Me
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