How To Get Rid Of Rats In Boca Raton, FL

Rodents invade 21 million homes every single winter. As the temperature drops, the number of rat infestations grows as they seek shelter from the cold. While rats make great pets for some, they are a very unwelcome nuisance if they are coming in from the wild. 

If you have spotted a rat infestation, you must act immediately in eliminating the situation. Rats are very fast reproducers and they can grow to large numbers in very short amounts of time. Arming yourself with the knowledge of how to spot them can go a long way in preventing a large-scale infestation. If the situation gets out of hand before getting noticed, it can make it that much harder to clear.

With that in mind, we have created this article to discuss how to spot a rat infestation. Then, we will discuss courses of elimination and how to locate help.

Signs Of A Rat Infestation In Boca Raton, FL

The first step to rat control is detecting the rat problems in the first place. Norway rats (also known as brown rats) are the most common rats in your home. Be on the lookout for their grey/brown fur and long hairless tail. Their tails are roughly as long as the length of their body. 

Rats reproduce quickly. A recent article reported that two rats left alone could create nearly half a billion descendants in as little as three years. If the population in your home has gotten to the point where you are noticing them, the time to act is now. 

Whether they are in your wall or on your roof rats are never a welcome addition to a home. Identification of the problem is the only way to begin the process of fixing it. Below are some telltale signs of a rat infestation:

Sounds And Smells

Rats are not stealthy creatures. The easiest way to spot a rat infestation is through the sounds and smells that they create indoors and outdoors. Rats may scurry around in your walls or closet. Their droppings may leave smells if piled up in some areas. Either of these is a good indication that it’s time to assess the situation.

Damage

Rats aren’t bad from just a health perspective. They can also wreak havoc on a home in a variety of ways. If you have spotted any of these damages it may be time to consider taking the next steps.

• Wires – Rats may chew up the wires in and around your home. With electrical wires, this can be particularly damaging.
• Books – Anything a rat can eat, it will. Books are no exception to that rule.
• Furniture – Rats may burrow into cushions or the backing of couches. They can also gnaw on the wood.
• Structural Damage – In extreme instances, the nests in the walls and the destruction of the rats can lead to structural damage. This is most commonly done to building materials like wood, drywall, or insulation.

Droppings

These pests can pile feces dropping up in hidden areas. Check the area behind the stove, in corners, and the attic/basement. In addition to the piled-up droppings, small pellet-shaped droppings may be along their routes. They may also leave smudges along the walls as they walk. 

Footprints

Rats will often leave behind a trail of footprints and tail prints. You may spot them in a dusty corner or counter. It is also possible to test to see if you have rats by leaving a fine layer of powder (flour or baking soda) and checking it for markings in the morning. 

Once you have identified the infestation, try to locate a food source and any entry points as well. Understanding where rats are entering your home will make the placement of deterrents much easier. 

How To Get Rid Of Rats In Boca Raton, FL

Now that you’ve identified the issue, the next step is to resolve it. There are numerous ways to deal with rats in Boca Raton, FL. Some popular options include a bait station or a rat trap with rat bait on it. Whether the goal is a solution that kills rats or something a little less harsh, there are many tips for getting rid of rats. 

Limit Nesting Materials

Cleaning your property is the first step in preventing the further spread of a rat infestation. Rats live anywhere they can find it and a dirty house lends itself to many hiding spots. Start treating your rat infestation by ensuring that your home is clean and without clutter.

Seal Entry Points

If you can locate the point of entry for the rats, get to work on sealing them. No effect will truly be lasting if a new group of rats can simply reenter whenever they wish. There are many ways to seal these gaps but the best are cement or caulk, wire wool, or metal kick plates. 

Keep note of the locations of these gaps as the covers should be regularly inspected. If you are unable to locate the entry points for the rats, you can always rely on a pest management professional to find them for you!

Eliminate Food Sources

Make sure there is a lid on your trash bins and keep all food put away, including pet food. Keep your sink clean and make sure your pipes and drains are clear at all times. 

Rat Trapping

Rat traps often conjure up the image of a dead rat in a snap trap with peanut butter on its face. The rat traps of today are far more effective. Using rat bait tactically, it is possible to have rats bring the poison back to their whole nest. These are powerful tools that can do large-scale damage to a rat’s population if utilized correctly!

Natural Rat Deterrents

Rats can pose health concerns as they carry diseases but many rat poisons carry concerns of their own.  This has left many wanting natural deterrents as opposed to chemical ones.

If you want something safe for children and pets, there are natural solutions that deter rats as well! These options deter rats without killing them and are safe to have around the house (or in most meals).

The natural deterrents for rats include:

• Peppermint Oil
• Black Pepper
• Cloves
• Cayenne Pepper
   

Crushed pepper is a good one to sprinkle outside of rat openings or homes as it will irritate them and flush them out.  If the infestation has already taken hold, it is likely best to call a professional pest management company.

Professional Rodent Control 

Nobody wants rats running around in their home. They can wreak havoc on both belongings and health if the situation gets out of control. That’s why it’s important to work with someone knowledgeable about how to deal with the situation. 

Pest control management companies like Native Pest Management are experts in the field of dealing with issues just like this one. 

Our team of professionals is here to make sure that you can return to a pest-free life in no time. We will come out to your Boca Raton, FL property and assess any issue with rats and mice before providing you with the best solution to move forward. We will ensure that your home is free of rats and provide you with the tools necessary to keep them away for good, all while keeping your dogs and cats safe.

Now is the time for rodent control in Boca Raton, FL. Give us a call today at (561) 328-8290 or contact us online and start the process on a pest-free home! Request your free quote below.