It’s one of those things you think will never happen to you. You keep your home too clean, your house is too new, no rat would ever be able to get in and infest your property, right? Rat infestations are more common that you might think, and when it happens, it is not something to be taken lightly.

Here is what you need to know about identifying and fighting a rat infestation.

Identify the Signs

Because of their elusive nature, you may never see a rat until the infestation is severe. Instead, look for signs of that infestation, including:

• Small, dark, round rodent droppings in or around food packages, in drawers, cupboards, or under the sink
• Nesting material like shreds of paper, cardboard, fabric, mulch, or plant matter present throughout the house
• Signs of biting or chewing on food packaging
• Holes chewed through walls or floors that create small entry points into your house
• Foul, musty, or stale smells coming from hidden areas

Preventing an Infestation

The best way to fight a rat infestation is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Discourage rat activity by removing food and water sources, and items that can shelter them:

• Seal holes around the inside and outside of your home to keep rats out. This can be as simple as plugging small holes with steel wool (one of the few things rats cannot chew through) or patching interior and exterior walls
• Remove potential nesting sites from your property, including piles of leaves, deep mulch, or stacks of firewood
• Keep food and water sources in and around your house to a minimum
  • Make sure garbage cans are tightly sealed and kept in your garage if possible
  • Turn over compost piles when adding new food scraps
  • Do not feed outdoor birds or squirrels when you are fighting an infestation, as this food can be taken advantage of by rats and other rodents

Hire a professional to remove rats for you

At Critter Control® of Dallas, we understand that having wild animals inside your home and on your property can be stressful. Because mice can reproduce at alarming rates, you want to call us as soon as possible to avoid having to deal with a more extensive infestation. For more information or to schedule a free home inspection, call us today at 817-222-1101.