The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats Around Your Baltimore Home

Rats are not something that you want crawling through your home. These medium-sized rodents are destructive and dangerous. If you see a rat in or around your home, you should get the help of a Baltimore pest control specialist as soon as possible. These rodents will not usually go away on their own and will require professional intervention in order to achieve complete rat control. 

At ATC Pest Control, we have years of experience tracking, identifying, and eliminating rats in and around Baltimore. We know just how invasive and sneaky these creatures can be. Here is a look at what you should do if you think you have rats on your property.

How To Tell If It's Rats Lurking Around Your House

Rats in Baltimore sometimes get mistaken for mice, but these creatures are much larger than any type of mouse. On average, a rat can measure about 16 inches from nose to tail. Their tails are usually about the same length as their body, but unlike their body, their tails are typically not covered in fur. 

If you see even one rat on your property, it is a good indication that you have a problem. However, these athletic and agile animals are able to stay out of sight remarkably well. If you are unable to catch them with your own eyes, there are a few signs that you have rats, which include:

• Holes in your walls, furniture, and other household objects
• Food packages that have chew marks or have been destroyed
• Gnaw marks around your home
• Droppings

Rats have bad eyesight. In order to get from one place to another, they will usually run alongside a wall or some other straight object. Over time, you may notice their dirty bodies have left behind dark smudge marks on the wall.

Rats On Your Property Can Create Many Hazards

Rats are incredibly destructive. They will chew and claw through just about anything. If you have rats in your home, it is not uncommon to find the cords to your television, radio, phone, or other electronic devices chewed up and destroyed. They can also chew the electrical wiring behind your walls, which could cause a fire if it is not repaired quickly. 

Rats can also spread a wide range of diseases, which include salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever. You don't have to come in direct contact with the rat to catch these illnesses either. Many times, they are transmitted through indirect contact. 

The Safe And Effective Way To Get Rid Of A Rat Infestation

Rats can be extremely challenging to get rid of. They are smart and athletic creatures that can avoid certain traps and bait systems that you can buy in stores. The quickest and safest way to get rats out of your home is to call a professional rodent control specialist that has extensive experience with rat control. 

Five Simple Tips To Prevent Future Rat Problems Around Your Home

Some of the things that you can do to prevent rats from coming into your home include:

1. Keep all non-refrigerated and non-frozen food in a glass or metal container.
2. Keep humid areas in your home well-ventilated and fix any other moisture issues.
3. Keep both indoor and outdoor trash cans covered with tight-fitting lids.
4. Seal up any openings or holes that you have around your house.
5. Maintain landscaping and eliminate brush piles and other debris in your yard that could provide nearby nesting areas. 

If you are struggling to keep rats out of your Baltimore home, ATC Pest Control is here to help! We know just what it takes to keep these destructive rodents out of your home. Give us a call today to schedule your inspection.