Having a rat infestation is not pleasant but there are four things you should know if you think you may have some uninvited guests in your home. The most important thing is to act quickly by calling a local pest control service. Here at Cross Pest Control we will be able to help you no matter how big or small the problem, whether that is making a house call to inspect your property or guiding you through what to do over the phone.
Destructive Behaviour
If there is a small opening to your home, rats can easily squeeze through even the tightest of gaps. They are well known to burrow into loft spaces or kitchens in order to look for food. Many rat infestation cases report a gnawing of boxes, carpets and other such things, which leaves behind a trail of debris. Warehouses in particular can suffer from larger infestations but it is still a common problem within the home.
Secretive and Quiet
Although rat infestations can be quite common, a sighting is less so. Rats have particularly well developed hearing, smell and touch senses, but are less adept when it comes to movement. Their behaviour tends to be very secretive so is can sometimes go unnoticed or unexplained for a period of time. Normally most active at night, it can be hard to identify the entry point of the rats, although they do sometimes search for food and water during the daytime. Rats are quiet but a scurrying sound is the major thing to listen out for .
Deposition of Dirt and Droppings
As well as their destructive behaviour, one of the key tell-tale signs of a rat infestation is the dirt and droppings they deposit along the way. Rats leave a characteristic ‘musty’ smell, and it is common to fine loose hairs, droppings and dirt tracks.
Transmission of Diseases
As a result of their behaviour and depositions, there is often a danger of rats transmitting diseases. If food and water sources are contaminated by urine and faeces it can cause a number of illnesses to humans. The most prominent are types of food poisoning, including Salmonella, whereby the rat will transmit these specific micro-organisms. The bets thing to do if you think that you have a rat infestation is to avoid eating anything from opened boxes or packets, or anything you notice that has hole marks in it.
If you think you may be sharing your home with rats, get in contact and pick up the phone and give us a call. We’ll be happy to help.