Pet-Safe Rat Control
People love their pets. From dogs to cats, birds to reptiles, animals bring us companionship and joy. When rats and other pests find their way into our homes, they put not only people but pets at risk. However, pets are also endangered by some pest control products, particularly if they are misused. So, if you are battling rats, pet-safe rat control is essential to get rid of rats and keep your home and pets safe.
5 Signs You Have A Rat Problem
The first step in any pest control effort is determining what pest you are battling. Rats are destructive pests and have many telltale clues they have moved into your home. However, mice and rats have similar signs of infestation. Because rats are significantly larger, their path of destruction is also more extensive. Common symptoms you require pet-safe rat control include:
1. Leaving Gnaw Marks As They Chew Through Your Home
Without a doubt, rats are incredibly destructive. They chew through wood, floors, walls, and wires. Because their teeth are large, they can chew through soft metals and hard plastics.
2. Rub marks Left In Frequented Areas
Rats follow the same paths as they move about the home. These paths tend to be along the edges of the room. Due to frequent contact with a rat’s oily fur, they leave behind rub marks on walls and holes.
3. Footprints And Trails As They Move Around
Again, because they tend to use the same paths, footprints and dirt paths are often noticeable.
4. Droppings – Using Anywhere As Their Bathroom
Rats are not picky about where they leave droppings. Rat droppings are bigger than mouse droppings at ½ inch or longer. Additionally, where mouse droppings are dull and pointed at the ends, rat droppings are shiny and rounded.
5. Nocturnal Noises
If you hear scratching, gnawing, or little feet pitter-pattering around your walls at night, it is time for pet-safe rat control. Rats are nocturnal and make considerable noise as they do their business due to their size.
Rodenticides – A Real Danger To Your Pets
One of the most common methods of getting rid of rats is using rodenticides. Commonly referred to as ‘rat poison,’ these products target rats and other rodents. The most common forms of delivery methods are baits and traps. Although rodents are the target, rodenticides threaten the health of children, pets, and wildlife. Rodenticides take time to kill once ingested. After eating the poison, the rat leaves the baited area where your dog or cat can catch them. Thus, leading to secondary poisoning. Also, if pets or children access bait areas, they can directly ingest the poison. Rodenticides are not a form of pet-safe rat control.
Symptoms of Rodenticide Poisoning In Pest
If you use rodenticides in your home, you must know the symptoms of rodenticide toxicity. So if you believe your pet is suffering from rodenticide poisoning, seek veterinary help immediately.
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Weakness or lethargy
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Bruising and bleeding
- Abnormal eye movement
DIY Pet-Safe Rat Control TIPS
The best option for quick and effective pet-safe rat control is to call in professional help. Using DIY methods to get rat infestations under control is a time-consuming task. Incorrectly placing bait and traps puts your pets at risk. Additionally, when you undertake rat control at home, you more often than not prolong the process. Rats are crafty creatures. While you may see some successes with DIY measures, pests are rarely eradicated.
Exclusion Is Essential
There are measure homeowner can take to help with pet-safe rat control. Prevention is the most effective way of reducing the risk of a rat infestation. Even if you are treating a current problem, making sure more rats can’t gain entry to your home helps your battle. The first line of defense is exclusion. If rats can’t get into your home in the first place, they cannot breed and reproduce inside. Homeowners should inspect their property regularly for signs of gaps, cracks, or holes that may serve as entry points for rodents.
Routine Home Inspections
Whether performed by the homeowner or professional, routine inspections allow you to catch weaknesses in your home’s defenses. These inspections help with pet-safe rat control and prevent other pests and wildlife from entering your home. Look for cracks and holes in your home’s foundation and siding. Also, inspect doors and windows to ensure they close properly, and screens are intact. Just as important, look through the interior of your home. Take steps to eliminate easy access to food and water.
Repair Possible Entry Points
After a home inspection, repair any cracks, holes, or damages. Rats can fit through spaces as small as a quarter. Fill holes and gaps, and seal openings around piping and conduit. Rats have powerful jaws and sharp teeth. Even if a space is too small for them, they will gnaw through walls and floors until they fit. Check windows and doors to make sure they close securely.
De-Clutter Your Yard And Home
Another significant component of pet-safe rat control is removing possible hiding and nesting areas. Keep bushes and plants trimmed and away from home. Remove yard waste and leaf piles. Also, place wood and compost piles away from your home and garage. Inside your home, keep less frequented areas tidy. Basements, crawlspaces, and attics offer prime nesting areas. They are dark, quiet, and have little to no foot traffic.
Remove Food And Water Sources
Like any living animal, rats need a steady supply of food and water. What do rats eat? Rats are omnivores and enjoy much of the same foods humans and pets do. Make sure to put food away and sweep up crumbs promptly. Additionally, use durable rodent-proof food storage for open food. Rats are not picky. They will happily go through your trash for a meal. Thus, take the trash out regularly and use trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Another necessary pet-safe rat control step is to prevent leaks and standing water. As well as food, rats need plenty of water. Check under sinks and around pipes for drips and leaks.
Professional Pet-Safe Rat Control
Rats are a problematic pest for a homeowner to eradicate on their own. The safest and easiest option is to call a pest management company at the first sign of a rat problem. As professionals, they can quickly and expertly assess your home. Then, once identifying problem areas, technicians will implement the most effective pet-safe rat control. Another benefit of employing a professional pest management company is that they cover all pests. For example, you may call about rats, but they determine you also need pet-safe mouse control and pet-safe ant control. Because they have experience and training, their arsenal of products and techniques will effectively battle your rat problem. At the same time, you and your pets remain safe and stress-free.
Call OMNIS Pest Control Today
We at OMNIS Pest Control are here to walk you through your pet-safe rat control options. We pride ourselves in friendly and effective pest management. As a locally owned business, we are dedicated to helping our community, including pets, thrive pest free. From your free initial estimate to your pest-free home, OMNIS is here to help. Contact us today for all your pet-safe pest control needs.
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