Have you ever opened your garage to see a dark, fuzzy figure darting into the corner? Maybe you are hearing strange noises coming from your attic? If so, you may have a rodent problem in your home.
Norway rats are one of the most common rodents that Mississippi residents find in their homes. These critters are both disgusting and dangerous, spreading various diseases ranging from salmonella to the bubonic plague. They can also destroy pipes and wires with their constant chewing, potentially causing floods or fires. Needless to say, you don’t want these rodents anywhere near your home.
If you are worried about Norway rats and the issues they can cause, read on to learn about some effective rodent control strategies and how quality pest control in Mississippi can help protect your home from these dangerous rats.
Are There Norway Rats Inside Your Home?
Norway rats, like most rodents, are experts at sneaking into homes; they can even squeeze through holes the size of a quarter. If they make their way inside, they will nest in the less-frequented areas of your home like garages, storage sheds, and sometimes attics.
It can be challenging to spot a Norway rat infestation if you don’t know the signs. Here are a few telltale signs of a rat infestation:
- Gnaw marks throughout your home
- Capsule-shaped droppings
- Dark, greasy rub marks along baseboards
- Strange noises in the walls, especially at night
- Food packaging that is damaged
Norway Rats And Their Typical Hiding Spots
Norway rats are nocturnal and very shy. They will make their homes hard to find, whether inside or outside your home. Norway rats will build their burrows with one entryway and at least one emergency exit or “bolt hole.” They are also social creatures, building their nests close to each other.
Outside, Norway rats burrow in sheltered areas near food and water sources. Some common areas where rats live include the soil near rivers, garbage piles, and stacks of stored firewood. You may also find them under concrete slabs, near railroads, and around bodies of water like rivers and streams.
Inside, they prefer areas of your home that see less traffic. They typically prefer nesting on the ground floor or in sewers. Occasionally, you’ll find them in attics or on roofs.
Knowing where to look for Norway rats can help you find an infestation sooner, stopping it before it has the chance to spread.
Tips To Deter Norway Rats
Like other rodents, Norway rats are prolific breeders. The Norway rat population in an infested area can grow exponentially, meaning you can go from a few rats in your home to a full-blown infestation in very little time.
Due to their rapid breeding rates and how easily they can hide in your home, the best way to handle a Norway rat infestation is to prevent one from occurring in the first place. Here are a few tips to deter Norway rats:
- Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your home.
- Remove debris piles from your yard to reduce nesting sites.
- Seal any holes, cracks, or gaps around your home's foundation.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Take your garbage out regularly and store it in sealed cans with a tight lid.
- Eliminate sources of moisture around your home such as leaking pipes.
While these tips are handy for deterring Norway rats before they get inside, there is no substitute for professional rat control services.
Total Rodent Prevention For Mississippi Residents
At Havard Pest Control, our technicians are trained in rodent control and removal. We offer effective pest control treatments for Norway rats as well as roof rats and mice to meet all your rodent control needs.
Don’t leave rodent control to luck or a mousetrap from the hardware store. Call Havard Pest Control and let us protect your home from these dangerous and destructive pests.