Rodents, such as mice and rats, are problematic scavengers that often plague homeowners in the Rockville area. As mammals belonging to the order Rodentia, rodents all have overgrown front teeth (incisors) that these creatures use to constantly gnaw on things. Once indoors, rats may begin reproducing and soon develop an overwhelming infestation.
How to get rid of a rat infestation? Rats are elusive creatures that often hide in hard-to-reach places; therefore, speaking with pest control experts is typically the best way of responding to these concerns. A qualified Rockville pest control company employs a team of qualified professionals that understand how to safely expel these pests.
Physical Characteristics of Rats: How To Identify A Rat
What are some of the common characteristics of the kinds of rats found in this region? The two primary rat species found in Rockville include Norway rats and roof rats. Because of their appearance, Norway rats are often called brown rats. Norway rats usually have a stout body style and may reach lengths exceeding 16 inches, including their tails.
Roof rats are commonly called black rats and are known for having excellent climbing skills. Roof rats typically have a leaner body style that often exceeds 12 inches, including their tails.
What are some of the telltale signs of a rat infestation? As largely nocturnal creatures, many homeowners first detect the presence of rats at night as these creatures break the silence by scurrying or rummaging around. Look for rat droppings, particularly in the vicinity of cupboards or pantries. Rats gnaw on things constantly such as wires and cables and often scatter materials used for constructing nests such as insulation, fabrics, or paper products.
Hidden Hazards: Health and Property Risks Posed By Rat Infestations
What are the diseases rats carry? Some of the most common health risks associated with rats include leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis. As they travel throughout a home, rats contaminate food and surfaces with their urine and excrement. As with most Rockville rodents, rats may introduce dangerous parasites to your home.
Rats will often identify tiny openings around the exterior of the property and widen the gaps so they can gain access indoors. Rats might also pose fire risks if they chew on electrical wires.
Rat Prevention Tips: Eliminating Attractants And Sealing Entry Points
Are you looking for answers regarding how to prevent rats from infiltrating your Rockville home? Some of the best practices to consider include:
- Clean up all food remnants from yard and patio areas following barbeques and cookouts to avoid attracting rats.
- Always keep all trash bags that contain food scraps inside garbage receptacles with lids to limit access.
- Prevent roof rats from accessing the upper areas of the structure by trimming back tree branches and shrubs.
- Fill and holes that develop around the exterior of the structure that might serve as entry points.
While these best preventative strategies are viable options, those experiencing an active infestation involving rats or similar types of creatures should promptly contact a licensed Rockville home pest control company for help.
Call The Rat Control Experts: Ensuring Safe And Effective Elimination
Is there professional rodent control services in Rockville? The family-owned team of professionals with Womack Pest Control has delivered results for homeowners struggling with the many types of undesirable rodents in Maryland for more than 80 years now.
Families in Rockville make substantial investments of time and resources toward acquiring, maintaining, and improving their homes. Having a rat infestation runs contrary to efforts toward protecting your investment and also exposes you and your family to possible health risks. Our technicians have a host of treatment options at their disposal including baiting, trapping, and more.
Contact our office today for help with rats, and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Rockville.