Are you being bothered by rats at home? Do you hear them happily squeaking about near your kitchen? If you are reading this, chances are you are. There are plenty of DIYs on how to avoid the rat infestation in your home, something that we will be discussing in this article. However, once the rats have taken over your homes, it would take more than just these simple steps. You may have to call in the professionals, as much as possible you should get the best pest control management in North Carolina.
All About Rats. Are They Dangerous Pests?
Rats are medium-sized rodents that look like the common house mouse, only larger, with longer bodies, longer tails, and longer legs. While some people keep rats as pests, they are more of pests than pets, and they are seen as very dangerous to keep around the house.
In the rat world, the most widely known species are the black rat and the brown rat. The black rats are the common house rats that are pests to both agriculture and the household. An adult black rat is about 5 inches to 7.2 inches in size and weighs about 75 to 230 grams. They are omnivores and are not really finicky eaters. Farmers hate them, as these rats feed on their crops. They can live in houses, warehouses, and commercial buildings. They can also thrive in agricultural areas like crop fields and barns.
The brown rat is about 11 inches in length, much larger than the black rats. They can weigh up to 17 oz. They are nocturnal, and like the black rat, they eat almost anything.
Rats are highly intelligent and have a great memory. They do not forget. They easily learn of new trails, and would likely avoid trails that they find dangerous. They are also very inquisitive. They like to investigate, but once they sense danger they quickly run away and avoid any form of confrontation. They are also highly social creatures. They live in groups, and they sleep cuddled next to each other. When they are left alone, they get lonely. They also feel depressed when they lose a loved one, just like humans. That is how emotional they can get.
One reason why rats have thrived despite all efforts to exterminate them is that they can reproduce quickly. A rat that is already 5 weeks old can already reproduce. It can reproduce after every three weeks and can do so for two years. Another reason why they are great survivors is that they can live for 20 days without drinking any water. They get their hydration requirements from the food they eat, and as we discussed earlier, they are not choosy eaters.
While there are people who find rats cute and some even have them as pets, rats are very dangerous to have around because they transmit deadly diseases. That is why it is very important to choose the best pest control experts to eradicate them.
What Are The Diseases That Rats Carry?
Rat bites, scratches, urine, saliva, and droppings all contribute to spreading diseases. Here is a list of some of the diseases they can transmit:
1. Leptospirosis - This is a disease that can infect both humans and animals. If left untreated, this disease can lead to liver failure, kidney damage, and even death. Signs and symptoms include headache, vomiting, nausea, high fever, jaundice, red eyes, rashes, and abdominal pains. Antibiotics are the main form of treatment. This is contracted by wading in floodwaters, swimming pools, or drinking contaminated water. Rat urine is the main culprit.
2. Salmonella - This is contracted by eating food that is contaminated by rat droppings. Symptoms of this disease include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.
3. Rat bite fever - Rat-bite fever is a disease contracted by humans after getting in contact with rats infected with the bacteria Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus. People who keep rats as pests are the ones in danger of getting this disease. The same is true for people who work close to rats, like those in the laboratories. Signs and symptoms include vomiting fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, muscle pains.
4. Haverhill fever - This disease is almost similar to the rat bite fever. It is contracted by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated by rats. Symptoms are similar, except for a severe vomiting and sore throat.
5. The Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) - As its name suggests, this one is a severe respiratory disease. It is caused by hantavirus infection. This could be a fatal disease and is transmitted through direct contact with rats. When we become exposed or if we inhale rodent urine, droppings, or saliva, we become infected. Early symptoms are fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, If an infected rat bites a human or we touch something that has been contaminated with rat droppings, urine, or saliva and then we touch our nose or mouth, we can be infected with this disease too. Eating food that is contaminated by rat feces, urine or saliva also puts us in danger.
Now that we know how dangerous they can be, getting a pest control expert that you can trust becomes very important.
Things To Remember When Choosing A Pest Exterminator Company
Here are a few questions to ask if you are looking for a pest control company to help you out in getting rid of these rats:
1. Do they have the experience in getting rid of pests? Pests, believe it or not, can be highly intelligent. They would not survive this long on earth if they are not. This is especially true of mice. An experienced pest control expert knows a pests behavior, where they hide, what they eat, and most importantly, how to eradicate them.
2. Do they use safe methods? Of course, since this is your home we are talking about, you would want them to use safe methods. Your family’s safety depends on it.
3. Do they have licensed technicians? Their people should be experts in what they do.
4. What do people have to say about them? Ask around for suggestions as much as possible. The internet is also a treasure trove of information. Check Google, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media for advice.
5. Is the equipment they use state of the art? Using obsolete equipment is just as dangerous to your home.
Check If You Have A Rat Infestation Already
Rats are nocturnal so you may not be able to spot an actual rat because they come out most when we are asleep. They can also be very elusive. That is why we should look for signs that there are rats in the house.
1. Presence of gnaw marks. You might see gnaw marks on wires, cables, and even on boxes, cardboard, books, and papers. Rats are in need of constant gnawing because their incisors are constantly growing all their lives. Chewing on something trims it down and prevents it from growing much longer.
2. Rat droppings. These are the size of a grain of rice.
3. Rat footprints. Like humans, rats leave footprints and tail marks, especially in dusty areas.
4. Physically seeing a rat. If you see one, there are probably a set full of rats somewhere near. Rats do not live alone and are highly sociable.
5. Look for rat holes. Brown rats are capable of digging an extensive burrow system to hide food and for shelter. They build these nests next to a solid structure.
Control
If you do not have rat infestation yet, then the next best thing to do is to prevent them from coming. Here are a few tips to avoid rats from invading your home:
1. Regularly dispose of your garbage. This is a food source that rats are attracted to. Without garbage, then they do not eat.
2. Cover your trash with a lid. This will prevent the rats from getting to your trash.
3. Try to find holes inside and outside your home. These holes are potential entry points for rats. Sealing them keeps the rats out.
4. Practice good sanitation. Make sure your surroundings are clean. Avoid filth and remove clutter. Sweep the floor and wipe off food and drink spills,
5. Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and clogged drains. Rats like high moisture areas too.
The Best Pest Control Management In North Carolina
If you are looking for a pest control company here in North Carolina, then your best bet is Go-Forth Home Services.
Go-Forth Home Services is a family-owned company that has been in existence since 1959. They are highly experienced in exterminating pests like rats, termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and many others.
The company has a team of expert technicians who are highly skilled and are well-trained and really professional at what they do. They use only the latest and most advanced equipment in the business, and employing only the most family-friendly and pet-friendly methods of extermination, so you are assured of your family's safety with Go-Forth Home Services.
Contact us for more information. Our friendly operators are standing by.