Rat removal is a common part of maintaining a home over the long term. There was a time when rats hadn’t yet arrived in North America, but those days are long gone. Rats are here, and they’re here to stay.
Having a rat problem in your home doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong; it just means these rats wanted shelter, food, and water. We’ll talk about how to deprive local rats of these resources a bit later. First, we want to explain some of the basics of rat identification, the dangers associated with rat problems in residential areas, and how professional rat control in Rockville can resolve rat problems with speed and efficiency.
Our goal at Womack Pest Control is to empower you to make informed decisions about pest control, specifically rodent control, for your home. After all, the house should be a safe, relaxing place where you and your family can recharge, and rats get in the way of that goal.
What Do Rats Look Like?
While there are many types of rats, different species often share many of the same core features and traits. So what do rats in Rockville look like anyway?
Rats are medium-sized rodents with small heads, small ears, and long, hairless tails. As members of the rodent family, rats like to build nests in small, enclosed spaces. They also tend to be nocturnal, so you’re more likely to see (or hear) rats running around at night rather than during the daytime.
If you’re worried about confusing a mouse for a rat, don’t be. Mice are much, much smaller than rats overall and have their own distinctive look, typified by large ears and hairy tails.
If you’re still unsure whether the pests in your home are indeed rats, you can always request an inspection by a local pest control service.
Why Are Rats Considered Dangerous?
Rats are considered dangerous for a good reason. It’s not just a stereotype. Basically, rats are considered dangerous because of the physical harm they can cause and the health risks they represent.
For instance, there are many different diseases rats carry. Rats can spread hantavirus, salmonella, and tularemia, just to name a few. Because rats are attracted to human food, a rat infestation will likely contaminate your cupboards and kitchen, increasing the risk of ingesting these dangerous germs by accident.
Of course, there’s also the potential for rats to attack humans, though this isn’t common. It comes down to whether you’re in close proximity to a rat, the health of the rat, and whether the rat feels threatened by your presence or your actions. Generally, if you keep your distance from the rats, they’ll be more than happy to stay away from you, too.
Are you looking for a rat exterminator near you? Womack Pest Control has you covered. Give us a call or contact us through our website. We’ll be happy to help.
Why Do I Have Rats In My House?
We know that rats cause all kinds of problems in our homes. But if you’re wondering why your home has a rat problem in the first place, it comes down to a small number of key factors, such as:
- Your home has small exterior openings allowing rats to come inside.
- Your home offers sources of food the rats can easily access.
- Your home has one or more freshwater sources, e.g., a leaking pipe or your pet’s water bowl.
- Cold weather conditions have forced rats to look for heat sources.
Any one of these factors or any combination of these factors can lead to the development of a rat problem. Thankfully, professional control can resolve any rat problem.
How Do I Get Rid Of Rats On My Property Fast?
The best way to get rid of rats in Rockville is to partner with a reliable pest control service; just make sure the company in question offers rat control specifically.
From there, you can call us at Womack Pest Control, request an appointment, and let our pest management specialists do all the hard work. By the end of the process, you’ll have reclaimed your home and can focus on relaxing instead of worrying about whether rats have gotten into the pantry.