Among the most common types of rodents in Texas are mice and rats. All rodent species share a habit of gnawing on objects and materials, which becomes significantly more concerning when this activity involves wiring or cabling in your home.
The two most common types of rats found in the region include Norway rats and roof rats. Norway rats have brown or grey fur, a lighter-colored underbelly, small ears, and tiny black eyes. Norway rats have a stockier appearance than roof rats and usually measure from seven to ten inches long.
Roof rats have a thinner appearance with a body length of roughly six to eight inches and a tail of equal length. The fur of a roof rat is commonly a blend of brown, black, and grey fur, and their ears are typically larger than the Norway rat. Roof rats demonstrate excellent climbing abilities; therefore, they often will climb up trees and access the upper floors or roof of a property, looking for points of entry.
Are you struggling with determining the best ways to get rid of rodents and prevent them from returning to the premises? A properly trained and equipped Dallas pest control professional is very familiar with the kinds of rodents that typically invade homes in this region and how to best eliminate them.
How To Tell If It Is Rats Lurking Around Your House
Property owners often initially detect the presence of rats and other rodents when hearing them scurrying in walls, attics, or crawlspaces. As predominately nocturnal creatures, rats remain most active at night. Another sign of a potential rat intrusion is the presence of excrement that contaminates surfaces and materials.
Many people recognize the importance of how to get rodents out of walls. Many of these infestations expand and may become deeply entrenched in hard-to-reach areas where they will likely have significantly less exposure to many treatment options.
A Rat Infestation Is A Serious Risk To Your Health
Rats are known carriers of rat-bite fever, tularemia, salmonellosis, and many other health concerns. Rats that begin gnawing on electrical wiring may also create potential fire hazards.
The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats Around Your Home
Properties with food sources are the most likely to draw rats. Trash bags placed outside should remain in durable garbage receptacles with lids. Avoid leaving pet food bowls on decks, patios, or other outdoor areas.
Easy Rodent Exclusion Tips To Prevent Future Rat Infestations
Preventing rats from breaching the property’s exterior is typically the first priority. Exclusion measures involve identifying possible entry points and making repairs or modifications that will keep these unwanted pests out. Some of the best tips include:
- Closely inspect the lower exterior areas of the structure for holes, gaps, or other openings and fill them with a weather-resistant caulk or sealant.
- Replace any damaged windows screens, apply weather-stripping where needed around the frames of windows, and install sweeps on the base of exterior doors.
- Cover openings such as vents, chimneys, or utility line pass-throughs with durable wool or mesh-like material that prevents access.
Property owners are typically encouraged to diligently perform an exterior property inspection annually, such as in the spring or fall.
Since 1968, the family-owned specialists at Texas Star Pest & Termite have successfully assisted customers in Dallas faced with burdensome pest-related concerns. Our team is continually evaluating new products and application methods that emerge in the home pest control industry that offer greater efficiency and reduce the possibility of harming the physical environment. The Texas Pest Management Association and other advocates recommend many of these latest options.
In addition to rodents, the professionals with Texas Star Pest & Termite have the proper equipment for expelling ants, cockroaches, termites, and a host of other undesirable critters that might enter a home and pose health risks. Keep in mind that we stand behind the work we perform with a satisfaction guarantee. Contact us today for a consultation.