Among the most prevalent rodents in this region are house mice, California ground squirrels, tree squirrels, Norway rats (brown rats), and roof rats (black rats). Mice and rats represent types of commensal rodents, meaning they often live near humans. As omnivorous scavengers that will eat the majority of foods that humans do, rats can thrive in urban and suburban settings.
Have you noticed rats around or inside your home? Too many property owners underestimate how quickly a minor problem with a few rats could escalate into an unmanageable infestation. Those who detect rat activity should promptly reach out to a qualified San Mateo pest control professional for assistance with rat removal.
Signs Of Rats In The House: Identifying Rat Activity
What are some of the signs of a rat infestation in your home? In many instances, homeowners will initially hear rats rummaging around at night in basements, crawl spaces, or attics when the premises are otherwise quiet. In other cases, homeowners will first recognize the presence of rats when these creatures locate a food source—for example, discovering ravaged bags or boxes of dried food or pet food in cupboard or pantry areas.
Other likely indications of rat activity include trails of droppings, foul odors, or scattered materials in your home, such as insulation, fabric, or cardboard used to construct their nests.
Encountering live rats is also possible. Norway rats have bodies covered with brown or greyish fur measuring from roughly 6 to 10 inches long with a hairless tail that is slightly shorter. Roof rats have dark grey or black fur covering their bodies, which typically measure from 5 to 7 inches long with a tail of approximately the same length.
Rat-Borne Diseases: Common Illnesses Transmitted By Rats
The San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District warns residents that rats are associated with leptospirosis, trichinosis, hantavirus, and bacteria-related food poisoning. Rats often travel through trash and other unsanitary environments where they might have exposure to parasites.
Once indoors, rats will also contaminate surfaces and materials with their waste. As with all types of rodents, rats have overgrown front teeth called incisors that they constantly use to gnaw on things. This gnawing activity might represent a fire hazard when it involves the electrical wiring inside your home.
Rat Prevention Tips: Eliminating Attractants And Sealing Entry Points
Are you wondering how to prevent rats from entering your home in San Mateo? Some of the best preventative measures for homeowners to consider include:
- All trash bags placed outdoors must remain inside garbage receptacles with properly fitting lids.
- Promptly retrieve fallen fruits, remove bird feeders, and never place bowls of pet food in garage, deck, or patio areas.
- Prevent roof rat access by keeping shrubs and tree branches trimmed back away from the home.
- Fill any openings around the exterior base of the structure with caulk or sealant.
Based on the risks that rats pose, homeowners facing problems with these harmful invaders should contact a licensed pest control company for help. A properly qualified San Mateo rodent control professional is familiar with the kinds of rats found in this area and understands how to get rid of a rat infestation safely.
Professional Rat Control Services: The Benefits Of Expertise
How do you handle problems with rats? Local property owners experiencing a rat intrusion should immediately consult with a provider of rat extermination services. With more than 17 years of experience in the residential pest control industry in the San Mateo region, Pacific Pest Management remains among the best choices for home and business owners facing intrusions involving mice, rats, or other rodents.
Contact our office today for help with rats and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in San Mateo.