Rats in Chicago, Illinois often invade area homes. While there are many different species of rat in the world, the most common in the area by far is the Norway rat. Despite their name, they don’t come from Norway, instead of originating from China.
You can identify Norway rats by their brownish-grey fur and their cream-colored underbellies. They also have short, scaly tails and can grow up to 15 inches long, including their tails.
While most people know that rats are unsanitary, you might not know just how dangerous they can be. Rats can cause property damage as they constantly gnaw through all kinds of materials, and they are also known to spread diseases such as hantavirus and rat-bite fever.
Because rats are such difficult, destructive, and dangerous pests, it’s essential to know how to prevent them. In this article, we’ll provide you with the information you need to keep rats out.
Why Do Rats Come Indoors?
Rats have a dependent relationship with humans. This is why they often thrive in cities. They get inside of homes in search of shelter and food, and they will eat all kinds of human and pet food. Even small food spills, as well as garbage, can attract them to your house.
While rats might be bigger than mice, they can still enter a home in a variety of ways. They can fit through a hole the size of a quarter, and they can also chew through plastic, drywall, and even wood. They often slip in through plumbing, broken screens, and in crawl spaces.
Five Rat Prevention Tips
Since rats are so difficult to get rid of once they get inside, it’s important to do what you can to prevent them. Rats are prolific and great at hiding, so it’s nearly impossible to remove them on your own. However, taking these preventive measures can help.
Here are some of the most effective rat prevention tips for homeowners.
- Keep rats out by repairing or replacing broken screens in doors and windows.
- Further, reduce access points by sealing up holes and crevices with a mixture of steel wool and mesh wiring. Focus specifically on places where wires and pipes enter the building.
- Since rats are attracted to food, make sure to clean up spills right away. Also, keep the kitchen floors clean.
- Store pet food indoors.
- Rats are also attracted to garbage, so make sure to cover all garbage cans with lids and take out the trash often.
How To Get Total Rodent Prevention And Control
While taking steps on your own to prevent rodents can reduce the risk of an infestation, the best way to protect your home from rodents is by contacting the experts at Aerex Pest Control.
Our residential pest control professionals can remove any rat infestation, no matter how large and invasive. We also provide ongoing plans that will keep rats and other rodents out of your home. Give us a call today to learn more or to request your quote!