There are several reasons why you can’t take it lightly if pests are around your Hattiesburg, MS home or business. Not only are creepy crawlers ugly and annoying, but they can also bring direct harm to you and others. If they don’t sting, bite, or scratch you, they can cause you to be sick. The vast majority of insects and creatures harbor diseases and illness-spurring germs. On top of that, they can destroy buildings and personal effects. Rats are a significant threat all the way around.
Rats can be a danger to humans, domestic animals, and properties. It’s easy for these vermin to get indoors and quickly procreate in large numbers. Since they look to us for their water and food supply consistently, it’s difficult to get away from them. Learn how you can avoid rat invasions and what Havard Pest Control can do to help you.
What Rats Are Common In Hattiesburg? What Are The Risks?
Norway and roof rats are rampant in the region. Norway Rats have dense brown, gray, or black fur that’s particularly disheveled. Their bodies are 15 inches long, and they have 7-inch tails. Landscaping gets ruined in their wake, as they dig burrows that provide them with passageways into human dwellings. Roof Rats are black or brown, and similar in size to their Norway relatives. Among their features are scaly tails, big eyes and ears, and pointed noses. Living up to their name, they run along rooflines after being on overhanging tree branches and power lines.
A defense plan against rats is especially needed if your domicile or establishment is in proximity to a woody or grassy area. Messy and ungroomed yards are a draw for them as well. If your place is poorly structured or aged, it won’t be an obstacle for these pests to enter. They can get through gaps in shingles, foundations, or vents only ½ of an inch in diameter. You’ll probably find them in dark, damp rooms, like an attic, basement, or garage. Signs of infestation are:
- Discovering droppings
- Noticing bite marks on cables, furniture, and foundations
- Finding greasy rub marks on walls and edges
- Seeing burrows in the ground soil
- Spotting rats during the day; they are nocturnal
As mentioned previously, rats will gnaw on walls, cords, and piping. This is to cut down their constantly growing teeth. In addition to cosmetic injury, you may experience electrical outages and fires, and plumbing disasters. These critters have bacteria and parasites in their urine, feces, saliva, and fur. Consequently, your food and surfaces can be tainted. You can contract illnesses like trichinosis, salmonella, and hantavirus.
How Can You Prevent Hattiesburg Rats
Once more, rats reproduce very quickly. It’s necessary to enact preventative measures because these pests are too challenging to defeat after the fact. You’ll need to be meticulous with your exterior maintenance:
- Close up holes in utilities, vents, and foundations. Use steel wool, caulk, or material that rats can’t easily chew through.
- Fix moisture problems and leaks immediately.
- Put food and garbage in containers with airtight lids.
- Get organic debris off of the lawn.
- Trim grass and greenery regularly.
- Distance plants and wood from the property by two feet.
- Reduce clutter and make sure that storage spaces remain neat.
- Wash out and clean vents and gutters on a routine basis.
What Can Havard Pest Control Do About Hattiesburg Rats?
A lot of people will rely on traps or other retail products to deal with rats. Traps have to be strategically placed because these animals settle in hard-to-reach locations. Pesticides are often toxic and complicated to use. It’s safer to at Havard Pest Control. Our certified technicians will use protective industrial-grade treatments to eliminate rats long-term. Call today for a free inspection!