Of all the pests you could find in your Columbia, South Carolina home, rodents are some of the most common. Both rats and mice often get into homes and businesses, and they share many similarities. However, rats are bigger and can do more damage in a shorter amount of time because of their size.
Rats can also be particularly difficult to remove and control because they've built a dependent relationship with humans throughout the centuries. They can easily adjust to living in all kinds of human dwellings, and they can survive on our food scraps living inside walls, attics, and under flooring.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to identify, prevent, and remove rats from your Columbia property.
What Do Rats Look Like?
Rats and mice are often mistaken for one another, especially because baby rats can be similar in size to adult mice. But, there are a few key differences you can look for. Mice have more triangular-shaped heads and long, thin tails. Rats, on the other hand, have blunter head shapes and shorter, scaly tails.
Norway rats are a brownish-grey color while black rats are dark brown to black. Norway rats are great swimmers while black rats are great climbers.
How Much Of A Problem Are Rats For Homeowners?
While rats might be known for being difficult, they can cause way more serious problems for homeowners than most people realize. Rats can cause property significant damage as well as health risks.
To start with, rats will constantly gnaw to keep their incisors from growing too large. They will chew on all kinds of products including plastic, drywall, wood, and fabric. This means they can destroy furniture, walls, baseboards, clothing, and much more. Also, rats can be invasive and reproduce quickly, meaning it can be extremely difficult to remove them once they establish themselves in a home.
But, the even bigger issue is that rats can cause many health concerns. They carry fleas and ticks, and these can spread illnesses like the Bubonic plague. Rats themselves can also transmit illnesses such as salmonella. And, if all of that wasn't enough, their fur, droppings, and urine can also cause allergic reactions or other respiratory problems.
Some Effective Rat Prevention Tips
Rats can be difficult to prevent because of their ability to chew through so many materials and because they can slip through holes and cracks the size of a quarter.
There are still some measures you can take to help keep them out, such as:
- Repair holes in the walls and foundation using wire mesh and foam.
- Keep garbage cans covered with lids and remove any trash from around your yard.
- Clean up kitchen spaces by wiping up food and drink spills right away, keeping floors clean, and doing dirty dishes often.
- Remove any outdoor pet food and store it inside instead.
- These tips will go a long way toward reducing attracting factors for rats, but they won't stand up against an active infestation.
What Should You Do If You Have A Rat Infestation?
While taking steps on your own to prevent rats can help keep them away, rats can be difficult to fully control using DIY methods. If you already have rats in your Columbia home, the safest and easiest way to remove them is with help from Go-Forth Home Services.
We have over 60 years of experience, and we can swiftly remove these invasive and dangerous pests. Our ongoing residential pest control plans will also ensure that rats, and mice, don’t come around your property again. Give us a call today to request a free quote.