Professional wildlife control operators like Roof Rat Removal Service Texas use humane trapping methods and comprehensive rat removal processes that effectively resolve infestations. They often begin by thoroughly inspecting and identifying potential entry points and areas affected by rodent activity.
These acrobatic pests can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter of an inch. They gnaw on electrical wires, compromise insulation, and damage homes, causing leaks, fire hazards, structural issues, and health risks for occupants.
Roof rats are small rodents that get their name from their tendency to seek shelter in the higher parts of buildings and structures. They can cause significant damage by gnawing on wires, pipes, and building materials, spreading contamination through urine and droppings, and causing fire hazards. In addition, they can spread potentially dangerous diseases to humans and pets. Getting rid of these pests can be a difficult and time-consuming process, especially for individuals with busy schedules or limited physical capabilities. Hiring a professional wildlife control operator can help eliminate the problem faster and more effectively.
Professionals use a range of effective traps, baits, and exclusion methods to eradicate the infestation and prevent future problems. They also have access to specialized tools that are not available to DIYers, including rat-specific traps and baits. These products are more effective than generic traps and baits, which can be ineffective against pests.
In addition, professional technicians know how to identify and exploit the smallest entry points into a structure. This is important, as these elusive rodents are skilled at scaling trees and hiding in walls or other crevices. A thorough inspection by a professional can identify all the potential areas the rats use to enter a home and seal them shut.
Another reason to hire a professional is that they are trained in handling dead rodents and their droppings safely. This is important, because the rats can carry dangerous diseases. The feces of dead rats can contain Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and other bacteria that can cause sickness in people and their pets.
Although DIY methods can provide some relief, they cannot offer the long-term protection that a professional rat removal service can provide. The upfront cost of hiring a professional may be more expensive than using a do-it-yourself method, but they can save homeowners a lot of money in the long run in terms of costly repairs and ongoing pest control services. For the best results, it is always better to leave pest control to the experts. Call Bills Pest Termite Control today to request a quote and take the first step towards pest-free living.
Humane Trapping
When you notice scratching noises in your ceiling at night or glimpse a rodent on the roof during the day, it is time to call a wildlife removal professional. Rats are more than just an nuisance — they carry disease and can cause damage by chewing on electrical wires that then short circuit.
A rat can enter a home through a hole as small as a quarter of an inch. They can also access attics, wall voids and cabinets in search of food and shelter. They may be attracted to a yard that offers shade and vegetation. In the wild, their favorite plants include vines and ivy.
Your pest control expert will inspect your property and recommend a course of action to eliminate the rat population. They will usually begin by setting traps. They might also use bait and rodenticide in the house to prevent further rat infestations. If traps fail to solve the problem, your rat exterminator may suggest fumigation of the structure.
A professional knows how to properly set humane traps for roof rats. These traps are designed to be safe for pets and children, as well as rodents. They are usually made of metal with a secure bar that snaps shut with enough force to kill the rodent immediately. They should be stored away from children and pets when not in use, as the dead animal can still attract rodents and pose a health hazard.
Another option is an electronic trap, which uses a high-voltage shock to kill the rat, but is not visible to children or pets. It can be used indoors or out and is reusable. You can also find a wide range of ultrasonic pest repeller devices that emit sound waves that repel rodents, but are not heard by humans or animals.
You can take several steps to prevent roof rat infestations, including sealing any holes in walls, attics or cabinets larger than a quarter of an inch. You should also keep branches, bushes and shrubbery neatly trimmed, so that they don’t provide cover or hiding spots for rodents.
Inspection and Assessment
If you suspect that you have roof rats in your home, a free inspection and assessment is available. This will allow your pest control specialist to determine how extensive the infestation is and what the best plan of action will be moving forward.
The inspection will begin with a thorough check of your property’s exterior and interior. The specialist will look for any cracks, spaces, or gaps larger than 1/2 inch which could be used as entry points. The specialist will also check cluttered areas and storage rooms as well as dark places where rats prefer to hide. They will also search the attic and any voids along rooflines and ceilings. They will also look for greasy rub marks on walls and wires that have been chewed by the rodents as they move through your home searching for food.
As nocturnal creatures, roof rats are adept at hiding and can be difficult to locate. This is why it’s so important to use an experienced, reputable exterminator when you encounter signs of this destructive and harmful pest.
After the initial inspection, the expert will work to seal all of the potential entry points in and around your house. The exclusion service may include removing and cleaning nests, setting traps, spraying a chemical sanitation agent, and installing rodent bait stations around the outside of your property, which are serviced monthly to control the rat population and prevent re-entry.
While preventing a roof rat infestation is possible with regular inspections, sanitation, and proper yard maintenance, the best way to eliminate rats once they are inside is with an effective treatment program that includes trapping, poisoning, and exclusion services. With these tools in place, homeowners can regain control over their homes and live with peace of mind.
Taking a proactive approach to prevent a rat problem can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. In addition to a regularly scheduled rat treatment, be sure to clean up any sources of water or food near your home, maintain proper yard management practices, and always check eaves and attics for entry points.
Preventive Measures
While trapping and baiting are a critical part of any successful rodent control program, preventive measures are also vital. Because roof rats are nocturnal and excellent climbers, they can easily invade homes and businesses through the rooftop or walls. Once inside, they can damage insulation and chew through electrical wires, which poses a fire hazard and is dangerous for humans and pets. The best way to protect against these pesky pests is to be able to recognize the warning signs of an infestation, such as droppings on ceilings or walls, grease marks along walls and floors, scratching noises in the attic and holes and rub marks around the property.
Sanitation is the first step to preventing a rat problem, and it involves restricting access to food, water and shelter. Keep trash bins and pet food containers tightly closed, and regularly dispose of garbage. Store cereal, pasta, grains, dried fruits, chips, and other foods in rodent-proof containers or sealed plastic bags. Clean up bird feeders and other outdoor feeding stations regularly to remove possible hiding spots for rats, and trim bushes and other vegetation to limit climbing opportunities.
Rodents need water to survive, so it’s important to eliminate all sources of standing water around your property. This includes puddles, ornamental ponds, birdbaths and other water features, as well as leaky faucets and air conditioner drains. Water sources inside your home should be limited as well, by fixing leaky faucets and monitoring pet water bowls.
Rats can enter a building through openings as small as a quarter of an inch, so it’s important to rat-proof your home or business with caulk and other materials. Check for gaps in windows and doors, uncovered vents, and cracks in eaves and stucco. Sealing these areas can deter rats and other rodents from entering your property, which can help protect against damage and fires.
When you work with a professional rat removal service, they will use the most effective preventive measures to stop your pest problem before it starts. These may include repairing any chewed wires and sealing holes in your attic, but can also include more specialized measures such as installing metal kick plates at the base of exterior doors and rat-proofing chimneys.