Why Are Rats in Fort Pierce Homes?
With more than a mile of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Pierce, FL, has a warm, humid climate for much of the year. Florida coasts are often home to large rat populations, and this city is no exception. In fact, when homeowners fail to properly secure their trash, it is an open invitation for rat infestations.
Rat Diseases
As many as 35 diseases are associated with rats in Fort Pierce, and the rodents spread viruses and bacteria in several different ways, such as:
- Scrapes, scratches, or bites
- Contact with saliva, urine, and droppings
- Parasites in rat fur like ticks and fleas
Signs of Rat Infestations in Fort Pierce
Rats in Fort Pierce can enter homes through holes the size of a quarter. Residents might hear scratching sounds coming from walls or noises overhead when the pests enter and exit. Squeaking sounds may also indicate a rat problem.
These rodents are often quite destructive in an attic, gnawing on wiring and wooden framing. Once inside, the pests that find their way to the pantry also contaminate 10 times more food than they eat. When rats in Fort Pierce become a problem, rely on Critter Control for professional removal and prevention.
Professional Rat Rodent Control
Rats breed throughout the year, reproducing seven or eight times yearly with seven or more offspring per litter. It doesn’t take long for your home to become infested with rats. The more rats you have, the more damage occurs. Calling a rat rodent control expert at the first sign of rodent activity is crucial.
Trying to control a rat problem yourself can lead to mistakes that worsen the situation. Using the wrong traps, insufficient traps, or the wrong bait can mean the rat population in your home will continue growing. Placing a trap in the wrong place may lead to a rat dying within your walls. The smell of decay can be intolerable.
Rat control experts devise a comprehensive plan consisting of an inspection, trapping, removal, exclusion, prevention, and sanitization. They have the proper tools to assess and implement the rat control plan so that you and your family are safe and do not have to worry about future rat problems.
Rat Trapping and Extermination
Trapping is the most effective method of rat control. The size of the infestation will determine the number of traps, the types of traps, and the rat bait to use. Infestation size also determines the process’s length, which can range from a few days to weeks. With a large colony, other control measures, including tamper-resistant bait stations, may be required around the perimeter of your structure.
The sooner you call the professionals for help, the sooner trapping and rat removal can begin. They take care of everything, including proper disposal and sanitization, so all evidence of rats is removed.
Post-Removal Cleanup
After removing the animal, the wildlife service technician applies sanitization agents to ensure the area is clean and won’t affect you or your family. Any traces of rat feces or urine can lead to unwanted consequences, including attracting more rodents and growing mold spores. Technicians will thoroughly disinfect where necessary, including removing dead rats. With that, you can breathe easier in your own home. Beyond sanitation, our specialists will help with certain repairs, such as replacing damaged insulation.
Rat Exclusion and Preventing Rats
If you successfully remove every rat in your home but do not implement exclusion and prevention techniques, your home is at risk for future rat activity. One of our technicians’ first exclusion methods is to seal up all quarter-inch or larger entry points.
A few common entry points for rats include:
- foundation cracks
- loose-fitting screens
- holes for pipes
- chimneys
- loose soffits
Rats will likely gnaw through materials like plastic, wood, and caulking to enter your home. The professionals will use sealants, wire mesh, and other rat-proofing structures to safeguard your home.
Recurring Rodent Control Solutions
The rat removal steps above will give your home a much-needed reset. However, rats are clever and persistent and may try to reenter your home. Their search for food, water, and shelter may lead them back to your home, where they may try to create new entry points.
You can take management steps after completing the rat rodent control process to ensure your home maintains safety. For instance, regularly scheduled monitoring appointments with a professional can ensure you don’t experience future rat problems. Technicians search for new entry points and any signs of rat activity inside and outside your home. If they find something, they can fix the problem right away.