The last thing anyone wants to hear is rats squeaking and scratching in the attic or walls. Unfortunately, these rodents commonly enter homes while searching for food, water, and shelter, and getting them out can prove challenging. This article will provide the information you need to banish rats from your home and keep them from coming back.

We’ll start by describing how to identify rats and reviewing the risks they pose to your family’s health. We’ll also explain why DIY rat control attempts are often ineffective. Continue reading to learn how to achieve successful rat control in Memphis with the experts from Chief Termite & Pest Control.

How To Identify A Rat

Rats are nocturnal and try to avoid contact with people, so you may never see the rodents themselves. But they leave several clues to help you identify them as the culprits. Here are some of the most common signs of rats in the house that can help you confirm an infestation:

• Gnaw marks around 1/8 inch long on walls, pipes, or electrical wires.
• Damaged food packages in cabinets or the pantry.
• Greasy, dark rub marks along the walls from the oil on their bodies.
• Rat footprints in dusty areas between 3/4 and 1 inch long with a tail drag mark between them.
• Rat droppings that are capsule-shaped and between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch long.

If you need assistance identifying and removing rats from your home, Chief Termite & Pest Control is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our rat control services or to request a free estimate.

A Rat Infestation Is A Serious Risk To Your Health

Rat infestations endanger the health and well-being of your family. These pests can cause illnesses in several ways, including direct contact with their bodies or waste, bites or scratches, and contaminating food and surfaces. The following list includes some of the diseases rats spread:

• Salmonellosis
• Rat-bite fever
• Jaundice
• Cowpox virus
• Trichinosis

Rats often carry fleas and ticks that can also make your family and pets sick. Their urine can also trigger allergy symptoms and asthma attacks, so the sooner you can get them out of the house, the better. Contact us today at Chief Termite & Pest Control for help getting rid of rats and preventing their return.

Why DIY Rat Control Often Fails

When homeowners discover a rat problem, their first response is often to try store-bought control products or DIY ideas they find online, but these attempts are usually ineffective. Part of the problem is that rats are social creatures that live in groups and breed rapidly. While traps may occasionally catch a rat or two, they are not enough to handle an infestation.

There are DIY tips online that recommend using moth balls or ammonia to get rid of them, but there is no evidence that shows these products are effective, and inhaling them can harm your family and pets. The safest and most straightforward way to control rats is to work with a professional pest control company. Contact us today at Chief Termite & Pest Control to learn how we can help eliminate rats from your home.

Call The Professionals At The First Sign Of Rats

Professional rat removal is the safest and most effective way to eliminate an infestation and protect your family from the risks of these pests. Contact us today at Chief Termite & Pest Control to learn more about our rat control and prevention services or to request a free estimate.