Rat Control: How to Send Rodents Packing

Because of their relatively small size, rats may not seem all that problematic compared to other critters like racoons, opossums, armadillos and — how can we forget — skunks. But make no mistake: rats can cause excessive and costly damage to your home (or to your business if that is where they have decided to gather), and also to your health.  

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Before looking at how you can win the rat control battle and send these uninvited and unwelcome rodents packing, let us first look at two of the most common and troublesome species: roof rats and Norway rats.

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About Roof Rats

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Roof rats (R. rattus) have long tails, a pointed muzzle, weigh 5-10 ounces, have long ears and dark bodies (which is why they're sometimes called black rats), and typically live and nest above ground, such as in trees, shrubs and dense vegetations. They also love making their home in elevated spaces, such as cabinets, false ceilings and attics. Getting around is hardly a challenge for these pesky rodents, because they're very nimble climbers.  

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About Norway Rats

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Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are larger than roof rats and have shorter tails, weigh 7-18 ounces, have a blunt muzzle, and short ears. They're also lighter in color (which is why they're sometimes called brown rats). Unlike roof rats, Norway rats tend to stay closer to ground level, and typically burrow underneath piles of wood or garbage, and along building foundations.

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Signs that You Have a Rat Control Problem

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Contrary to what many people believe, rat infestations can happen anytime of the year — and not just in the fall and winter. Common tell-tale signs that you have a rat control problem include:

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• A strong, musky smell that is especially noticeable in closed-up rooms. In some spaces like attics, the stench can become overwhelming — as if something died up there.
• Small black-brown droppings. Rats can have up to 60 droppings per day.
• Urine stains, pools or trails. Rats urinate even more than they excrete.
• Scurrying or shuffling noises — especially if they're in the attic.
• Foot and/or tail marks on soiled or dusty surfaces. Rats may also leave oil or dirt rub marks on pipes, rafters and walls.
• Nibbled boxes, as well as virtually any food product that emits an odor (e.g. rice, beans, grain, pasta, etc.).
• Your cat or dog inexplicably becomes hyperactive — not because they're begging for a treat or in the mood to play, but because they can hear and smell rodents.

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Getting Rid of Rats

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The safest, smartest and by far the least stressful way to get rid of rats is by calling the experts at Hall's Termite and Pest Co. Our team will target and resolve your rat control problem in three phases: Inspect, Remove and Prevent:

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• INSPECT: We will thoroughly inspect your property (home or business) to detect how rats are gaining entry, and also identify landscaping or infrastructure features that may be attracting rats (e.g. clutter or debris that creates harborage sites, thinning out or removing vegetation on the perimeter of the property, etc.).
• REMOVE: We will use bait and lay traps in strategic locations to capture and eliminate rats from your property. We stop by every couple of days to check traps to ensure that they are working to maximum effectiveness.
• PREVENT: We will ensure that rats do not return to your property through comprehensive rodent-proofing, which includes exclusion and sealing of exterior entry points that are the size of a quarter or larger. If necessary, we will also seal interior entry points as well.

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And of course, throughout our work we will ensure that there is no risk or danger to people or pets, and that our team is always professional, punctual and courteous.

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Learn More

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To learn more and for a free estimate, contact us today at 941-536-5848. Discover why homeowners and businesses consider us the area's rat control experts!