Rat Alert: How to Tell If You Have a Rat Infestation and What Steps to Take

October 16th, 2014

Nobody likes the thought of having rats in their home. Traditionally, these rodents are associated not only with dirt and filth but also with disease, which makes them doubly undesirable.

Rat Facts:

• Rats do carry disease. Whilst rats do not carry the plague anymore, regrettably, they do carry plenty of unpleasant diseases, such as Ringworm and Leptospirosis, also known as Weil ’s disease. The latter can cause fatalities in humans.

• Rats cause damage. Rats like to gnaw, and if you’ve got rats in your home, you’ll soon notice the damage. Favorite areas include walls, furniture, pipes and kitchen units.

• Rats do bite. Rats have large, powerful front teeth, and if you’re bitten, you are at risk of contracting tetanus. However, it’s important to remember that a rat will try to escape before biting, so never try to corner one.

Vital Signs of Rat Infestation

Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to tell whether or not you’ve got a rat infestation. Classic signs include:

• Scratching noises – particularly at night
• Gnawed walls or furniture
• Droppings (around 10-13mm long)
• Nests or burrows

What to Do if You Have a Rat Infestation

It’s not advisable to try to combat the problem by yourself. Rats reproduce at a staggering rate; in fact, they’re capable of reproducing at just six weeks old and produce, on average, 5 litters per year, with up to 15 babies per litter. That’s up to 75 babies per year, per rat!

Instead, arrange for a local pest control expert to visit your home. They’ll conduct a thorough investigation of the problem, before identifying the best course of action to take.

Pest Control in Tampa Bay, Florida

If you have a rat problem and are looking for expert pest control services in Tampa Bay, talk to Green Solutions today. We’ll work hard to make sure your home is rat free as swiftly as possible.