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Rats are not uncommon pests. Around the world, they are one of the most prevalent and troublesome home invaders that exist. Partly responsible for several massive plagues and epidemics, including the Black Plague, rats have made a reputation for themselves as a serious pest threat. The only question is, as a homeowner, what can you do if rats get into your house. Lucky for you, we have the smart approach to eliminate rat invaders here in Modesto.
What Rats Look Like
Rats come in a few shapes and sizes. Here in Modesto, there are only two species of rats to worry about; the Norway rat and the roof rat.
The Norway rat can grow up to 9 ½ inches long and is typically light brown with scattered black hairs throughout its coat. The roof rat, on the other hand, only grows to be about 8 inches long (excluding their tail) and ranges from brown to black with a gray, white, or black underbelly.
Both of these rodents have a blunt muzzle, heavyset body, long hairless tail, and two sharp front incisor teeth. Mice, on the other hand, are much smaller, have pointier noses, and much larger ears in comparison to their bodies.
The Dangers To Having Rats In The House
There are a few reasons rats are nothing but trouble. It is not only because of their menacing appearance or shifty eyes — rats can destroy items throughout your home and can get you, your family, and even your pets very sick.
Rats are filthy creatures with a propensity to pick up and carry around bacteria. Interacting with certain bacteria that rats carry on their bodies can lead to some fairly serious diseases, such as salmonellosis, hantavirus, and rat bite fever. When cleaning up after rats, be cautious, and use protective gear to avoid getting sick.
Rats can also use their sharp front incisors to chew through your home and on the things inside it, including anything from your walls to the electrical wiring and utility pipes. This damage can lead to serious problems within your home, including water damage and even electrical fires.
Finally, rats can bring parasitic pests such as fleas, ticks, and mites. These smaller pests can hop off and find their way onto your indoor pets, creating threats with their own list of dangerous diseases they carry.
How And Why Rats Get Inside
Rats can be crafty in the ways they get into homes. Typically, they will look for an opening in your home’s exterior, such as a crack in its foundation, damage to its roofline, or through an open door or window. Some rats have even found their way in down chimneys or through sewer pipes. We have had some cases where rats have chewed their way into a home. A rat’s teeth are so strong they can chew through concrete and even lead. That alone opens many doors for rats looking for a new place to call home.
What To Do If Rats Get Inside
If rats get into your home, you need a safe and effective way to get them out. At Insect IQ, we have just that. Our qualified professionals have the tools necessary to quickly trap, eliminate, and remove rats from your Modesto home.
Give us a call to schedule immediate services for your home, or if you are curious to learn more about our pest control methods. You won’t regret putting us on the job.