Rats
Rats are unwelcome houseguests that can cause significant problems in your home. These persistent pests contaminate food, damage property, and pose health risks. At Pinnacle Pest, we act quickly to eliminate rat infestations using a combination of bait stations, traps, and exclusion techniques. Our expert technicians will identify entry points, nesting sites, and high-traffic areas to effectively target these rodents and prevent their return. Don't wait for the problem to worsen – contact Pinnacle Pest today for prompt and professional rat control.
HOW TO Know if you have Rats
Evidence of rats in your home can be unsettling, but their droppings are a clear indicator of their presence. Unlike their smaller mouse cousins, rat droppings are significantly larger, about the size of a jellybean. They're typically dark brown or black, elongated with blunt ends, and often found clustered near food sources, nesting areas, or along their travel routes. Rats, like mice, have poor bowel control, so you might find these droppings scattered throughout your home, signaling a need for professional pest control intervention.
Rats, with their larger size and stronger teeth, can leave more obvious signs of their presence in your pantry and kitchen. Inspect food bags, especially those containing grains like rice, wheat, and pet food, for gnaw marks and holes. Rats are also attracted to stored goods like birdseed, grass seed, and even compost. Don't forget to check under your sink, in low cupboards, and behind appliances—rats prefer dark, secluded areas. Scattered droppings, gnawed packaging, and trails of food debris are all telltale signs of a rat infestation.
Don't overlook your garage or shed when inspecting for signs of a rat infestation. Rats are excellent climbers and can easily squeeze through small openings. Check for gaps and cracks in walls, foundations, and around windows. Pay close attention to door seals and weatherstripping—if you can see daylight, a rat can likely squeeze through. Look for signs like droppings, gnaw marks, and burrows in stored items, boxes, or even in the ground. Rats often seek shelter in these less-frequented areas, making them prime locations for nesting and foraging.
While a lone rat might not be easily detected by smell, their presence often becomes evident through sound. Unlike the lighter scampering of mice, rats tend to produce heavier thumps and bumps as they move within walls, attics, or under floors. Listen closely for scratching, gnawing, or squeaking sounds, particularly at night when rats are most active. These noises, coupled with other signs like droppings or gnaw marks, are strong indicators of a rat infestation requiring professional attention.
How To Prevent Mice
Standing water can draw lots of different pests, including rodents. Eliminate areas of standing water around your property to disincentivize rodents from coming around.
Don't leave your bird feed, grass seed, or pet food in the bag. Use strong, locking totes or buckets to prevent your storage from becoming their grocery stores.
A hole bigger than your pinky is big enough for a mouse can get in. Any hole bigger than your thumb and a rat can get in. Crawlspace vents with hose or piping coming out are usual suspects for easy rodent access to your crawl space. Close up holes with expanding foam and steel wool.
One man's trash is a rodent's treasure. Throw away food scraps after meals and hand-wash or place dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Remove garbage to the large receptacle regularly.
Okay, let's talk about rats. Not the cute, pizza-loving kind from cartoons, but the real-life, "oh dear god, it just scurried behind the fridge" kind. These guys are like the ultimate survivalists, thriving everywhere from the sewers to your perfectly organized pantry. They're basically tiny, furry ninjas with a knack for getting into places they shouldn't.
And let's be real, their breeding habits are...impressive? They reproduce faster than a reality TV family, with mama rat ready to pop out another litter practically the same day she gives birth. It's like they're trying to take over the world, one tiny, squeaking offspring at a time.
But here's the not-so-funny part. Rats aren't just about leaving adorable little droppings everywhere (though they do that too, and trust me, you don't want to step on one). These guys are master chewers, capable of turning your electrical wiring into a fire hazard faster than you can say "home insurance claim." And don't even get me started on the diseases they can carry. Let's just say you don't want to be playing "find the rat poop" in your attic.
The good news is, Pinnacle Pest is here to save the day (and your sanity). We've got the tools and the know-how to send these unwanted tenants packing. Our bait stations are like Fort Knox for rodents – secure, effective, and safe for your kids and furry friends. Plus, our seasonal pest program keeps a watchful eye out for any signs of ratty shenanigans, so you can rest easy knowing your home is protected. So, if you hear something go bump in the night (and it's not just your cat having a midnight snack), give us a call. We'll handle the rat race, so you don't have to.
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