Rat Infestations: Prevention And Control Strategies For Your Vero Beach Property

Rats can wreak havoc on a home, and not just in the kitchen. But getting rid of them is no small task. Fortunately, Homeshield Pest Control has the answer. Our Vero Beach pest control includes rat removal and exclusion, and it’s designed to protect your home and family without breaking the bank.

Clear Signs Of A Rat Infestation

Naturally, the biggest sign of a rat infestation is if you see the rats themselves. But rodents in Vero Beach can be elusive; they run fast and they like to stay out of sight. It’s always possible to have a rat infestation in your house without seeing them. You should be aware of these signs of a rat infestation, just in case you don’t see them:

• Gnaw marks on walls and furniture 
• Capsule-shaped droppings
• Footprints
• Greasy rub marks on walls from their fur
• Damage to food packaging
• Noises in the walls and attic

Rats can sometimes be confused for mice. Just remember that rats are much bigger—between six and ten inches, not including the tail—and they have more elongated bodies. 

Rats On Your Property Can Create Many Hazards

There are many reasons why you don’t want to have a rat infestation. For one, rats are carriers of many dangerous diseases. They’re known to spread leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, and others. They can also bring fleas and ticks with them, which then spread throughout your home. Because rats often infest food, the risk of disease can be high. It’s important that rat infestations are controlled as quickly as possible so you and your family don’t get sick. 

Rats can also cause property damage. They have strong teeth that they use to chew through food packaging, drywall, and electrical cables. They also sometimes nest inside walls, which can lead to issues with insulation. 

Effective Rodent Exclusion Methods To Prevent Rats

At-home rodent control isn’t always as effective as you need it to be. It can be difficult to reach entire rat colonies, which is an important part of removing an infestation. No matter how many traps you set, they won’t be effective if they don’t actually catch all of the rats. Instead, you can implement these rat prevention tips around your home to keep them away. 

• Keep piles of firewood and yard debris away from your house,
• Seal any holes or openings in the walls.
• Eliminate sources of excess moisture. 
• Store food in solid, sealed containers.
• Dispose of trash properly. 

Woodpiles and yard debris can serve as outdoor nesting sites for rats. When these are too close to your home, it’s easier for the rats to get inside. Make sure that piles of leaves, grass clippings, wood, and other materials are kept several feet away from your house. 

Even though rats can get pretty big, they’re excellent at climbing and fitting into tight spaces. Any hole or gap that’s larger than a quarter should be sealed up so rats can’t get inside them. 

Pooled water and humidity can also attract rats. They come inside looking for water, and leaky pipes or air conditioning units can provide that. Make any necessary repairs and ensure that all areas of your home are well-ventilated. 

It’s also important to protect your food from hungry rats. As much as possible, store your food in solid, airtight containers. This will make it impossible for rats to chew through the packaging and get to the food. When you’re disposing of food waste, make sure it’s all in the proper bags and receptacles. You may need to install an animal-proof lid on your outdoor garbage bin. 

Because rats can cause so many problems for Vero Beach homes, it’s important that you do everything you can to keep them away. And if you’re finding signs of rats in your house, your best option is to call a professional pest control company for rodent removal. 

The Pros To Know For Total Rat Control For Your Property

With Homeshield Pest Control, you’ll get reliable and affordable rat removal and exclusion. We specialize in treating infestations and making sure they don’t come back again. After an inspection, we’ll work with you to decide on the best treatment options to get rid of rats from your home. Call Homeshield Pest Control today to learn more about our options for rat control in Vero Beach.