Rat infestation is a common problem in Surrey because the region’s warm and humid climate provides ideal conditions for rats to reproduce and increase their numbers. These rodents are not only a nuisance but can also pose serious threats to your health and property.
Rats are fast and clever rodents. They are nocturnal and usually come out of their nests at night to search for food and water, making them hard to catch. Once they invade your home or office they are quite hard to remove without outsourcing professional ray control services.
Hiring professionals for safe and effective rat control in Surrey BC is a strategic solution to combat these creepy crawlers and maintain a pest-free living environment. However, along with hiring professionals, understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and applying effective solutions are also crucial to deal with current issues and avoid infestation risks in the future.
Signs or Symptoms of Rat Infestation
Detecting rats’ presence at early stages is a daunting task as they remain hidden throughout the day and come out at night. However, staying informed and looking for common signs and symptoms can help you identify them at the start and take preventive measures.
Some early signs and symptoms of rat infestation are listed below;
Droppings and Urine Marks
Rat droppings that are small, dark, and pellet-shaped are strong indicators of an infestation. You may also notice urine stains along walls or floors, which can emit a pungent odour over time.
Gnawing Marks and Chewed Wires
Rats have strong teeth that continuously grow, prompting them to gnaw on hard surfaces like wood, plastic, and even electrical wiring. Therefore, chewed cables and furniture are also considered clear signs of their presence.
Nocturnal Noises
Rats are nocturnal creatures. Scratching, squeaking, or scurrying noises in the walls, ceilings, or attic during the night suggest an active infestation.
Nests and Burrows
Rats build nests using shredded materials like paper, fabric, or insulation. You may find these in hidden areas such as behind walls, under floorboards, or in storage spaces.
Tracks and Smudge Marks
Rats follow the same routes, leaving greasy smudge marks and tracks along walls and floors. These marks often become visible in heavily infested areas.
Causes of Rat Infestations
Just like other infestations, rat infestation also occurs in dirty and cluttered areas. However, some other factors can also invite these crawlers to invade your home or office.
Easy Access to Food and Water
Rats are opportunistic feeders, attracted to unsecured food sources such as garbage bins, pet food, or leftover meals. Water leaks and standing water also attract them as they need a moist climate to reproduce.
Clutter and Poor Sanitation
Cluttered spaces and poorly maintained areas provide excellent hiding spots for rats to store food and build nests. Therefore, accumulated waste or neglected spaces can be appealing to these pests.
Structural Gaps and Openings
Rats can squeeze through tiny gaps in walls, doors, or foundations. They can easily invade buildings with cracks, unsealed vents, or broken pipes.
Proximity to Green Spaces
Surrey’s parks, gardens, and wooded areas provide natural habitats for rats. These spaces often serve as breeding grounds, with rats venturing into nearby properties for food.
Unmanaged Waste and Compost
Improper disposal of household waste or the use of uncovered compost bins creates a consistent food supply, encouraging rat populations to grow.
Expert Solutions to Get Rid of Rats
Here are some expert tips and tricks to help you safely remove these creepy creatures from your place and avoid re-infestation.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your property for gaps, cracks, or holes that rats could use to enter. Seal these with materials like steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh. It will not only prevent rats from gaining access to your home but also add to the aesthetic appeal of your place.
Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping your property clean and clutter-free can also help control pest infestation. Therefore, make sure to regularly clean all areas of your home, dispose of garbage in tightly sealed bins and ensure areas like kitchens and pantries are free from food crumbs or spills.
Remove Outdoor Attractants
Trimming overgrown vegetation, clearing debris, and securing compost bins can reduce outdoor hiding spots for rats, significantly reducing the risk of rat infestation. It will limit their ability to nest near your property.
Set Traps and Baits
You can also use traps and bait in areas where rats are most active. Snap traps, glue boards, or live traps can be effective. Make sure to place them strategically near walls, in attics, or under sinks for maximum impact.
Hire Professional Pest Control
If the infestation is severe, contacting a professional rat exterminator in Surrey can be the best solution. Experts can identify the source of the problem and implement tailored strategies to eradicate the infestation effectively.
A Final Word
Experiencing rat infestation is a norm in Surrey but leaving it untreated can wreak havoc on your health and property. Removing these crawlers from your place may seem an overwhelming task but by recognising the symptoms, addressing the causes, and implementing proven solutions, you can tackle this issue effortlessly and protect your home and loved ones from the health hazards and other side effects of rat infestation.
