Everything Las Vegas Residents Should Know About Rat Control
January 11, 2022
Have you ever opened your garage to see a dark, furry figure dart across the floor? If so, you may have a rat problem. While this may seem terrifying, it is more common than you think. Studies have shown that almost a third of the homes in America will deal with a rat problem at some point. If they are hidden, like rats in your attic, you may not even realize you have a problem.
There are two species of rats in Las Vegas that we see most frequently, the roof rat and the Norway rat. Rats have similar features to the common house mouse but are much larger. Their tails are longer than their bodies, sometimes by two to three inches. Rats are drawn inside in search of food, water, or shelter from the elements, and once they are in, they can be a major issue.
The Issues With Rats
Rats aren’t just creepy invaders who can startle you at night; they can be a major problem for Las Vegas homeowners. One of the first issues with rats is that the diseases rats carry can affect your health and that of your family. Some of these diseases include:
- Hantavirus
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis
- Bubonic plague
- Rat-bite fever
- Tularemia
They can also trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and introduce other dangerous pests like fleas, ticks, and lice.
The other major issue with rats is the destruction they can cause to your home. Because they have teeth that are constantly growing, they gnaw continuously. Rats have been known to damage metal, plastic, wood, and even concrete. They can cause floods and fires in your home by chewing through pipes and live electrical wires.
What You Can Do To Prevent Rats
Another problem with rats is how quickly they can breed, producing up to 30 offspring a year. So just a few rats making their way into your home can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation.
With as fast as they breed, the diseases rats carry, and how difficult it can be to get rid of rats, prevention is critical for rat control. Here are a few tips you can follow on how to keep rats out of your home:
- Seal cracks and crevices in your home. Rats can squeeze through holes no bigger than a quarter.
- Use screens to cover vents and chimneys.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Take your garbage out regularly, storing it in bins with sealed lids.
- Keep your home well ventilated, including less used areas like basements, attics, and crawlspace.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home.
- If you have any questions about what you can do to keep rats out of your home, call us. One of our technicians can inspect your home, determine what may be attracting rats and other rodents, and help you make changes.
Professional Rat Control
The first time you see a rat, it can be tempting to try to handle it on your own. You can run to the hardware store and load up on the many home remedies for rats that are available. In many cases, your traps and baits will catch a rat or two, but they don’t do anything to eliminate the source of the problem: the hidden rat infestation.
At Anderson Pest Control, we specialize in rodent removal. We will identify the species of rat or other rodent that is invading your home. Knowing what species we are dealing with will help us quickly and efficiently get rid of rats in your home. We will also work with you to seal any existing entry points into your home, meaning that the rats that are currently causing you problems won’t come back. Whether it is rats in your attic or anywhere else in your home, we can handle it.
Don’t waste your time or put your health at risk with ineffective DIY home remedies for rats. Call us today and let us take care of your rat problem and keep it from coming back, so you and your family can feel safe, comfortable, and protected from rats in Las Vegas.
Previous Next
