Droppings, Oil Markings Indicate A Rat Problem

Rats are some of the most ubiquitous and destructive pests in the United States. Rats carry dangerous pathogens and can contaminate food and damage property with their incessant gnawing. Moreover, these pests are amazingly fast breeders, which means that a small rat problem on your property can very quickly turn into a big rat problem. Rats remain active all year round, and signs of their presence are fairly distinct. For example, small droppings around pet food containers are a telltale sign of rats, as is the sound of scratching and clawing emanating from your attic after dark.

Depending on the species in question, you may also find the entrance to burrows among the vegetation around your home. Norway rats, for instance, will usually create nests or burrows close to a reliable food source, while roof rats will, as their name implies, find an elevated and warm place to build their nests.

Like mice, rats have rather poor eyesight, but make up for this deficiency with their sensitive hearing and whiskers, which are able to detect minute vibrations. It may surprise you to learn that rats are remarkably fast learners, which means that once they detect the location of a trap, they will go out of their way to avoid it. That said, it’s important to continually change the location of traps and bait every few days, in order to keep the pests off their guard.

Rats can cause particular problem in kitchens, as they can easily deposit large numbers of bacteria, and can make humans extremely sick in the process. Moreover, they are extremely resourceful pests and will seek out food where ever they can get it. Keeping food preparation areas clean can help cut down on the chances of a rat infestation. Additionally, make sure to keep all food items in airtight containers, and exercise diligence in cleaning up spills and crumbs in all areas of the house.

Rats are excellent climbers, and frequently find their way inside attics by scaling trees and dropping down onto roofs from overhanging branches. That said, yard maintenance is often just as important as cleanliness when it comes to keeping your property pest-free. Eliminating harborage areas around your home is also an effective preventative measure. For example, long grass, overgrown bushes, and debris piles are often ideal hiding and breeding places for rats, and they’ll often make the short trek indoors if they think food may be available to them.

Cantu Pest & Termite is proud to be the first company in Texas to offer a Cantu Green Service. Our Texas rat control experts are excited to offer Cantu Green Service pest services to our customers in search of a more prevention-based solution to their pest removal and on-going pest management needs while minimizing the use of pesticides.

If rats or other Dallas pests have made unwanted appearances around your home, call Cantu Pest & Termite and schedule an appointment today with one of our friendly, experienced rat removal experts.