The city of Aiken is said to be a "hidden gem" of the South. It is famous for being a horse town, but its historic buildings and charming streets will take you back to yesteryear. Most properties benefit from gorgeous views, excellent picturesque hiking trails, and easy access to incredible restaurants to enjoy good food and company. Unfortunately, there's one local "gem" that often invades local properties—rats. If rat removal isn't a priority, problems can start compounding swiftly.
Understanding Rat Behavior: Insights For Effective Rat Control
Aiken property owners are subject to visits from one of two different kinds of rats—Norway rats and roof rats. Learning about the unique behaviors of these species can prove quite beneficial.
Norway rats can enter buildings through holes as small as a quarter. When Norway rats dwell in buildings, they usually stick to the lower floors, such as sewers and basements. Norway rats typically eat meats, fish, cereals, and even dog food.
Roof rats can enter buildings through holes as small as a nickel. These rats are great climbers, so when they get indoors, they tend to reside in upper areas, such as attics and rafters. Roof rats like eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and berries. While Norway and roof rats have some differences, there are some habits they share.
Rats operate mainly at night and are social animals. If you see one, more are likely running around your property. Both rats have teeth that constantly need trimming, so they always chew on items. Rats can chew through aluminum siding, lead pipes, plastics, wood, electrical wires, drywall, and insulation. Their activities can cause significant damage to structures and health hazards to people and pets, which is why partnering with a company like Aiken Pest Control is essential.
Rat-Borne Diseases: Common Illnesses Transmitted By Rats
While rats are incredibly destructive to property, the rat-borne diseases they carry and spread are even more concerning. As rats move across surfaces or visit areas in your building, they leave rat droppings and urine in their wake. The contamination from these visits can make people sick and aggravate those struggling with asthma and allergies. More concerning is the list of diseases that accompany a rat infestation.
Seven rat-borne diseases that can cause illnesses include:
- Cowpox virus
- Salmonellosis
- Rat-bite fever
- Leptospirosis
- Trichinosis
- Tularemia
- Jaundice
Property owners with a rat infestation can run the risk of exposing people to some severe diseases. Whether people come in contact with rats directly or indirectly makes no difference; it can still lead to health hazards.
Due to the safety issues associated with rats, property owners must remove them from their premises as soon as possible. Aiken Pest Control can safely remove rats from properties, reducing the possibility of people getting infected with a rat-borne disease.
Rat Prevention Tips: Eliminating Attractants And Sealing Entry Points
Keeping properties rat-free can often prove challenging, but it's not impossible when you know what steps to take to eliminate attractants and seal entry points. With some awareness and simple maintenance measures, property owners can do much to keep rats away from their properties.
Six tips that can help with rat prevention include:
- Practice good sanitation by placing foods in airtight containers, frequently removing garbage, and quickly wiping up spills and crumbs.
- Repair damaged weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Repair any loose mortar on foundations.
- Fix water leaks and use a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture in rooms.
- Use silicone-based caulking or steel wool (or a combo of both) to fill crevices, holes, and cracks.
- Remove yard debris from lawns and store firewood at least 20 feet from buildings.
While taking proactive steps towards preventing rats is wise, sometimes it takes the expert touch of a professional home pest control specialist like Aiken Pest Control to stop rats. Our knowledgeable and trained staff are committed to providing pest control solutions that eliminate your rat problems.
Professional Rat Control Services: The Benefits Of Expertise
Aiken Pest Control has provided 50 years of professional rat and pest control services to Aiken's Central Savannah River Area. Established in 1967, we have a reputation for top-notch customer service, quality pest control solutions, and the highest dedication to our craft. We offer affordable rat pest control services in Aiken that are convenient and guaranteed.