Rats are highly agile and active little animals that will fully take advantage of your home if given the chance. These pests will wreak havoc on the structure of your home and put you and your family at risk of getting sick. The longer you wait, the worse the situation will be. If you’re seeing rat activity, figuring out where the rats are coming from is vital for getting rid of rats quickly and efficient removal process as rats do have the capabilities to make a nest inside homes. Knowing how to prevent rat presence can save you a headache. Contact rat exterminator Toronto today if you need help solving a rat problem.
There are two common species of rat in Ontario. Knowing which species you’re dealing with will help you find where the rats are nesting in your home. The brown rat, also commonly referred to as the Norway rat, has coarse grey or brown fur and a lighter belly. This rat’s body measures approximately 20cm in length and it has a hairless tail that is just as long. The brown rat burrows underground, so it naturally likes to nest in basements and within hidden areas such as wall voids where they like building nests. Rats in the walls can create many issues for homeowners and you would need to call your local pest control company to remove them from your walls. If you want to look out for rat entry-points and rat burrows you would want to recognize them. The roof rat, on the other hand, is somewhat smaller than the brown rat and has a darker coat. This rat prefers to nest above ground in attics and roofs.
When looking for a rat’s nest in your house, look for signs of rat activity that could point you in the right direction. First, look for burrows in the yard. The entrance to a burrow is usually 5 to 10cm wide and has a smooth, round shape. Then, look for any potential entry points into the home. Look for any gaps or cracks on the outer structure of the home and check for teeth marks and signs of gnawing. Inside, search for droppings and smudge marks along the walls and baseboards. These could lead you toward the nest. Nests are usually found near sources of food, so look behind the appliances in the kitchen and behind any storage. Listen carefully for any scratching and squealing sounds at night. If you have roof rats, listen for these sounds coming from above.
If you find a nest, you must get rid of the rats before you remove it. Contact a local pest removal company and get their help. A licensed pest removal technician will have the tools and experience necessary to properly assess your situation and treat it in the most effective way possible. He or she will identify points of entry and place baits and traps in the most efficient locations to break the rats’ reproductive cycle. Depending on the severity of the situation, the problem should subside within about a month. You can then remove the nest yourself or with the help of the technician once the animals are gone.
Finding a rat nest is only part of the solution to a rat problem. Getting rid of rats requires a comprehensive approach involving the placement of traps and rodenticides as well as rodent-proofing the home to prevent their reoccurrence. If you suspect a rat infestation on your property, do not hesitate to reach out to us at The Exterminators. Our technicians know rat control in and out. Call Pest Control Toronto – The Exterminators Inc today and ask us about our warranties: 647-496-2211.
