When you live in a city with a high population density, such as Dallas, Texas you might face a few bumps in the road when it comes to pest control. One of the some of the most prevalent pests in Dallas are mice and rats. Dallas has one of the highest rat populations in the country, but that shouldn’t stop you from living a rodent-free life!
These tiny intruders average 11 to 16 inches with black eyes and worm-like tails. They are typically a brownish-gray color with short fur. Don’t let big rats bully you on your own turf. Our tips will not only help you learn effective ways on how to kill rats, but ensure they are eliminated.
Oh, The Damage They Can Do
You might have the fleeting thought of why does it matter if I have rats in my walls? Big rats, small, black, or brown, no matter the different types of rats you face, can all negatively impact your home and family. In America, rats cause upwards of 10 billion dollars in damages a year.
Structural property damage and electrical damage are almost a guarantee when you have an unchecked infestation. Rats often chew as a means to saw down their teeth which never stop growing. So things like wires, pipes, wood, even personal belongings such as shirts and shoes will be gnawed.
Putting the property damage aside, there is one big question you should ask yourself in regards to a rat invasion. What diseases do rats carry? Different types of rats will carry various diseases; however, there are still well over 30 harmful diseases they can transmit. On top of that, rats don’t need to transmit directly, there are many ways they can indirectly contaminate and infect your household.
Patching Holes In The Home
Identifying whether or not you have a rodent infestation is one of the first steps. It can be daunting to realize and say I have rats in my walls, but ignoring the problem will have costly consequences in the long run. If you have rats in the walls, you need to cut them off at the jump and identify their entry points! Here are a few things to look out for:
- Cracks in the brick or drywall of your home
- Holes in the roof or near the drains
- Gaps in the window seal
- Access through the vents
- Small openings in the garage
The best way to prevent rats from gaining access to your home is to check these locations periodically. If you find an opening a half-inch or wider, seal it up. This can help you prevent damage or illness caused by the vermin.
But Is That Enough?
Filling and patching holes is only the beginning of the steps you can take. Before you even look up how to kill rats, you should know what they’re drawn to. Such as the following:
- Warm areas
- Food of any kind
- Standing or dripping water
- Small dry spaces
We Are The Team For You!
More often than not, you won’t notice you have a rodent infestation until it’s too late. If you find yourself overrun and at the end of your rope, don’t fret! Just give us a call at Texas Star Pest & Termite when you’re in need.
Our team can answer any questions on our process on how to exterminate rats. We have been in the business for over 50 years and are well connected within our community. You can always count on the utmost professional assistance at Texas Star Pest & Termite.
When it comes to the safety of your home and family, don’t wait around. Give us a call today for rodent protection that goes above and beyond. At Texas Star Pest & Termite, we believe that our job can only be done when you are completely satisfied.