Several businesses and house owners in California have reported rat infestation on their properties. It highlights that growing numbers of rats and other rodents pose a massive threat to the infrastructure and health of California residents. The city of Escondido is no exception to rodent infestation. However, you can count on an effective pest control service to help you eliminate the rodents.
You can expect effective and long-lasting rodent control solutions with pest control Escondido. Apart from rodent control, Escondido pest control services can also offer pest control services for various other pests, including cockroaches, termites, etc.
Rodents such as rats and mice can pose serious risks to both health and property. Effective control measures are necessary to prevent infestation. If you are in need of expert services to eliminate these pests, seeking professional help is the most reliable approach. For those in Fort Wayne, pest control ft wayne provides thorough rodent control solutions that ensure a clean, pest-free environment and help protect your home from long-term damage.
Common rat breeds in California.
While there are several different rat breeds in California, the two most common are Norway rats and black rats.
- The Norway rats or brown rats: Norway rats are known by many names, such as- common rat, brown rat, Hanover rat, sewer rat, and wharf rat. Brown or greyish in color, the Norway rats can grow twice the size of another common rat breed in California, i.e., the black rats. They can grow up to 16 inches long (from nose to tail). The breed can be easily spotted roaming outdoors, like outbuildings and gardens.
- The black rats or roof rats: Although named black rats, they are hardly entirely black; they are rather very dark brown with a trace of grey. They are about six to nine inches long (from nose to tail). With a smaller body and lightweight, they are excellent climbers who can easily reach the upper floors. They have larger ears and significantly longer tails compared to body size.
Understanding why rats are dangerous for humans
Despite being small, rats and other rodents pose severe threats to humans. They carry deadly viruses, pathogens, and parasites that can cause deadly diseases, like the bubonic plague of the 17th century,
Following are some of the most dangerous threats posed by the rats.
- Viral disease, known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, spreads through the inhalation of rat urine or droppings and rat bites.
- A bacterial disease known as leptospirosis spreads through rat-contaminated water.
- Rat-bite fever, a contagious disease, spreads through a rat bite or scratch. It can also spread if you come in contact with a dead rat.
- Salmonellosis disease spreads through food or water contaminated by bacteria found in the feces of rats.
- Apart from the above, plague, Colorado tick fever, and cutaneous leishmaniasis are also some of the deadly diseases that rats spread.
Signs that may indicate that your house is infested by rats
The following are some of the most common signs that may indicate rat infestation.
- Droppings around food packages, cupboards, drawers, sink, etc.
- Finding nesting material in the house, like shredded fabric pieces, papers, dried plant material etc.
- Chewing or bite marks on food packages.
- Holes in walls and floors that act as entry points for the rats
- A stale smell in hidden areas of the house
Effective methods to control rats and other rodents
You can use the following methods to control the rat population or prevent them from entering your house to control the infestation.
- Seal all the entry points like branches, bushes, or foliage touching your windows.
- Seal all the holes as they may also act as a passage for the rats and allow them to harm the house infrastructure through the holes.
- Do not accumulate garbage, as it acts as a food source for the rats and attracts them.
- Keep pet food securely sealed and away from the reach of the rats.
- Maintaining hygiene by cleaning the kitchen thoroughly, as food particles like bread crumbs attract rats.
- However, hiring a professional pest control service is the best way to control a rat infestation.
Final takeaway
Despite their small size and harmless appearance, the rats can cause severe damage to your health and property. Therefore, it is imperative to employ preventive measures in a timely manner to save your house and family from rats.