How Big Can The Rats Get In Chicago?
As far as we know, there are no human-sized rats crawling around underneath Chicago. Although these pests do not grow to unusual sizes in our area, they do get quite large, depending on the species. One species of big rats that are common in our area are Norway rats. These furry invaders can grow to be up to 17” long, including their tail, and have rather plump bodies. Despite their larger size, these vermin rats have no problem chewing or squeezing their way into area homes to cause problems.
The Damage Rats Can Cause To Chicago Homes
It is hard to decide which is the worst problem city rats cause. We think it is a close toss-up between the diseases rats carry and their extremely destructive nature. For now, we are going to break down how destructive these furry pests are inside area homes. Rats chew through anything that is in their way. This includes walls, doors, and boxes. Rats also tear up insulation, fabrics, paper, and other materials to construct their nests. Sometimes, these pests do not need a reason to cause damage and will chew on things like furniture and ornamental decorations to file down their constantly growing teeth.
How Do I Control Rats In Chicago?
Chicago has one of the highest populations of rats of any city in the United States. If you are looking for some good methods to keep Chicago rats from breaking into your home, we recommend starting with these helpful rat prevention tips.
- Thoroughly inspect your home’s exterior foundation for gaps, cracks, and openings. Seal these using a caulking gun and some steel wool.
- Repair damage to your home’s window/door screens. This should include second and third-story windows for rats that climb.
- Make sure your gutters are in good working condition and that they are not collecting water.
- Eliminate sources of water build-up around your home’s exterior.
- Trim back branches at least five feet from your home’s exterior.
- Clean up clutter and debris around your yard and do your best to keep up with your lawn and landscaping.
- Make sure your indoor and outdoor trash cans have tight-fitting lids and that they are clean.
- Thoroughly clean your living areas at least once a week and do your best to keep up with food and drink messes.
- Store leftovers, pet food, and pantry items in airtight containers.
- Address moisture issues inside your home like leaky piping and dirty sinks.
Where Can I Find Effective Rodent Control Services In Chicago?
If you are looking for how to get rats out of your house, look no further than the professional rodent control services at Aerex Pest Control. We offer detailed control options to identify and eliminate city rats. We also offer long-term rat abatement strategies to help you protect your living areas from any future Chicago rats looking for a way to get indoors.
Call us now to discuss your options with one of our friendly service representatives. We will walk you through all of our pest control plans and schedule your Chicago home for a detailed rat inspection.