Rats are the last thing you want to see scurrying across your floors! These creatures are not only known to destroy insulation and chew on wires, but they will also contaminate and spread diseases in your home, including salmonellosis, hantavirus, and leptospirosis. The best way to prevent rats from invading your home is to understand their signs so you can act as soon as possible to avoid a full-blown infestation. Let’s review common rat signs to look out for and easy ways you can prevent them in the first place.
(H2) Common Rat Signs in Florida
- Droppings: Rat droppings are often found in your kitchen cabinets, pantry, drawers, or under the sink. Their droppings can also be found in their nesting area, including your attic, basement, or even behind walls! Rat droppings can be ½ inch or larger.
- Gnawed Marks: Rats tend to sneak behind walls and gnaw on wires, increasing the chance of a fire in the home. These creatures will also gnaw on wood and insulation, causing harm to the structural integrity of homes.
- Noises: Most rodents are nocturnal, including rats. If rats have infested, you can often hear scratching sounds as they run inside walls and along floors.
- Pet Behavior: Pets will act unusually if they hear or smell rats in the home. If your pets are on extreme alert, bark, or begin to paw at spaces underneath refrigerators, stoves, or under pieces of furniture, you could have a rat inside.
(H2) Rat Prevention Solutions
There are several proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of rodents from entering your home! Consider these practical tips for rat prevention:
- Seal any openings, cracks, or crevices to prevent rodents from getting through.
- After each meal, clean up crumbs or drink spills, seal garbage bins, and trim shrubs near the home to deter rodent activity.
- Store pet food in sealed containers with tight lids and avoid leaving food bowls outside overnight.
- Declutter your home by removing old newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes; instead, opt for plastic storage bins with lids on them.
If you’ve noticed common rat signs on your property, contact a Homosassa rodent control company near you. These professionals will inspect your home, identify the rat, and recommend the best removal, rodent control, and prevention plan based on your rodent situation.
