Rodents such as mice, rats, and squirrels are common pests that plague local home and business owners throughout most of the U.S. As largely opportunistic scavengers, rodents will often navigate through small spaces and enter houses, particularly when sources of food exist. Across the U.S. each year, various types of rodents infiltrate an estimated 20 million homes.
One commonality that exists among all rodent species is overgrown front teeth, known as incisors. Because of these continually growing incisors, rodents manage the length and keep them sharp by constantly grinding their teeth and gnawing on objects.
Two of the most likely rodents that homeowners in this region will encounter include house mice (Mus musculus) and roof rats or attic rats (Rattus rattus). Originating in Asia, roof rats have a long and lean body style and usually appear in a dark brown or black color. The body of a roof rat often ranges from six to eight inches long and has a tail of roughly the same length.
Roof rats are excellent climbers that will often enter homes through openings on upper floors such as attics. Once indoors, these pests will breed rapidly and contaminate surfaces with excrement. Roof rats are omnivorous creatures capable of adapting their diet as needed. For example, they might consume nuts, berries, insects, and even aquatic creatures when living near ponds, lakes, or rivers.
How do I get rid of rats? Property owners should consider speaking with a local pest control company based on the health risks associated with these pests. A seasoned Fort Myers pest control professional understands the best strategies for eradicating big rats in Florida and some ways how to deter rats from returning to the property.
How To Tell If It’s Rats Hanging Around Your Home
One of the ways that homeowners initially detect a rat intrusion occurs at night when the home is otherwise quiet. As predominately nocturnal creatures, sounds of rats scratching and rummaging through interior walls, attics, and other areas are common. You might notice roof rats navigating tree limbs or power lines or find damaged roof shingles from these pests.
The Damage And Dangers Rats Can Create Around Your Home
Rats are known carriers of salmonellosis, rat-bite fever, leptospirosis, and other substantial health concerns. Rats often damage various materials used for creating nests. Common examples include insulation, paper or cardboard, fabric, and more.
Five Simple Tips To Prevent Future Rat Problems Around Your Home
Are you wondering how do rats get in your house? Consider some of the following best preventative measures for the various types of rats in Florida:
- Keep exterior yard areas free of attractants by relocating bird feeders, thoroughly cleaning up food after cooking out, and never placing pet food bowls in outdoor areas such as patios.
- Limit water sources around the structure’s exterior area by fixing leaky spigots or hoses, keeping gutters and downspouts clear, and other means of ensuring that water flows away from the base of the home.
- All trash bags containing scraps of food should remain in durable sealed garbage receptacles.
- Limit access to roof areas by keeping tree branches, shrubs, and other types of vegetation trimmed back away from the structure.
- Remember to regularly inspect the property’s exterior for potential entry points that need repairs, such as damage to roofs, eaves, siding, or window seals.
Too many local property owners in Fort Myers take matters into their own hands by purchasing retail rat control products, including baiting systems, snap traps, and sticky traps. The do-it-yourself products often feature embellished claims of effectiveness. Yet, the outcomes sometimes are contrary, with mediocre progress or merely short-term results for property owners hoping for quick and easy solutions.
Weeks or months later, many of these individuals experience continued aggravation as the rodent problem persists. In addition, these products might contain harsh chemicals that worsen indoor air quality and could pose health risks in homes with pets or small children.
The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats In Your Home
In addition to providing top-quality solutions for homeowners struggling with rats, we also maintain the knowledge and equipment necessary for treating problems with ants, termites, fleas, cockroaches, and many other undesirable invaders that might create health-related concerns for you and your family. As a truly full-service provider of pest control solutions, our organization represents a “one-stop-shop” that also offers specialized options, including tent fumigation and residential or commercial W.D.O. inspections.
Residents of Fort Myers facing problems involving rats should consult with the experts at Stat Pest Control today.
