Everything Phoenix Property Owners Need To Know About Rats

a rat face up close
|

Everything Phoenix Property Owners Need To Know About Rats

All insects and creatures cause worry, but rats are especially troublesome. They are known to bring all the risks previously described. It would behoove you to learn more about their behaviors so that you can properly prevent rats from entering your home. Bug Science can assist you in your efforts, particularly if rats have infiltrated already.

What Rats Are Common in Phoenix? What Are the Dangers?

Roof rats are very dominant in the area. Not lacking in size at all, they can be 15 inches long or more. Their scaly tails by themselves can extend past their entire frame. Covered in fur, their hair is brown or black. They also have pointed noses and large ears and eyes.

These vermin have an appropriate name. Roof rats prefer heights, crawling along tree branches and power lines to reach the tops of homes and businesses. They tend to be found around rafters, attics, and garages. Openings near foundations, shingles, and vents are typical entry points for them. They can get through holes the width of a quarter. If they have a difficult time, they’ll chew the gap wider until they can fit through. Primary infestation signs include:

  • Finding droppings
  • Seeing greasy rub stains on walls
  • Discovering their footprints
  • Hearing squeaking or scratching behind walls
  • Seeing them in daylight (They are nocturnal)

Rats are walking hubs for bacteria. They have spores in their saliva, urine, and feces. Additionally, they have parasites in their fur. Considering that these creatures often live in gross settings, like trash cans and sewers, the total of microbes they have on them only increases. Should they get in your food or touch surfaces, they will no doubt contaminate it. As a result, you could catch hantavirus, tularemia, salmonella, and more. You can also expect to have damage to your walls and wires. Rats will gnaw on these things to wear their teeth down. If they bite on cords, it may spark an electrical fire. 

How Can You Prevent Rats?

Rats procreate with speed, so it’s best to take precautionary measures. You’ll have a daunting task in front of you if a rodent ever gets indoors. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to try to keep them out:

  • Search for cracks and crevices around your rooflines, utility lines, vents, doors, windows, and foundations. Patch up the ones you find. 
  • Have leaks and other moisture faults repaired as soon as possible. 
  • Only use containers with airtight lids for food and garbage storage. 
  • Regularly groom your lawn and greenery, and get rid of debris. Rats love organic matter.
  • Distance plants from exterior doors by a few feet.
  • Gutters should be cleaned out routinely.
  • Cut down on clutter. 

What Can Bug Science Do About Rats?

Eliminating rats isn’t a job that can be done independently. Retail products have limited effectiveness and won’t seal up entryways. Plus, it’s hazardous to handle rodents and their waste. Contacting us at Bug Science is a safe, more reliable route. Our experienced technicians will apply treatments designed to exterminate rats from your Phoenix home thoroughly and efficiently. Further, future invasions will be prevented. Our comprehensive exterminator services and commercial pest solutions are affordable and flexible. Keep yourself healthy and shield your property! Call us today!