How To Get Rid Of Rats In Your San Mateo Home And Keep Them Out

How To Get Rid Of Rats In Your San Mateo Home And Keep Them Out

Rats are clever and relentless animals. If you've been attempting to get control of a rat infestation in your San Mateo home, you know this. If you haven't attempted to get control of rats, or you aren't dealing with a rat issue that has inspired you to reach out for professional rat pest control in San Mateo, it is good that you've come here first. Rat control can be frustrating, to say the least. However, with the right help, you can find success in evicting rats from your home. Join us as we look at how to deal with clever and relentless rats and explain what methods work best to keep San Mateo rats out of your home.

Identifying Rats In San Mateo

There are two types of rats that are found in San Mateo: Norway rats and roof rats. Both of these species commonly enter and infest homes and other structures. 

Norway rats are also called street rats, sewer rats, and brown rats. They measure 7 to 9 ½ inches in length and have long bodies. Their fur is brown with some black hairs mixed in, with a lighter gray or off-white underside. Their tails are nearly hairless and are shorter than the length of their bodies. Outdoors, Norway rats often burrow underground in fields, farmlands, and near river banks. When they enter homes, they typically nest in basements and in the lower levels of buildings.

Roof rats are typically smaller than Norway rats, at around six to eight inches long. They are brownish-black and have smooth, soft fur. Unlike Norway rats, roof rats have tails that are longer than the length of their bodies. Roof rats are also known as black rats or ship rats. They are often found in the upper levels of buildings, attics, and rafters. 

Rats aren't the only rodents that may invade your San Mateo home. Mice are also common invaders, so it's helpful to be able to distinguish between mice and rats. Mice are much smaller rodents, only measuring about 2 ½ to 3 ¾ inches long. They have rounder bodies than rats and dusty gray fur. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell which type of rodent infestation you are dealing with. Both mice and rats are fairly elusive and it may be difficult to get a good look at them. Either way, you do not want to have rodents living in your home. A local pest control company can help you identify and get rid of rats or mice.

Clear Signs Of Rats In Your House

The first step is to determine whether or not you have a rat problem. If you already know, you can skip to the next section. We've added these tips for rat detection because these animals often live in houses for months or years before they are detected. When this happens, it allows them to damage property and create health issues. Here are some clear signs of a rat infestation in your home:

Rat droppings. These are between ½ to ¾ inch long and may have pointed or blunt ends.

Gnaw marks. Rats will gnaw on various materials and objects, sometimes leaving large holes.

Rub marks. Dark smears may be left on walls from rats' oily fur.

Damaged food products. Rats will invade your pantry and eat your food.

Strange noises. You may hear scratching or scurrying sounds coming from the walls or attic.

In some cases, it may be abundantly clear that you have a rodent problem, while other times, signs of ratsin your home can be subtle. Rats are primarily nocturnal and often hide in dark, secluded areas of your home. You may need to look in tight spaces, dark voids, and hidden spots to discover rats. If you see any signs of rats or catch a glimpse of the rodents themselves, it is time to contact a professional for rodent control.

The Damage And Dangers Rats Can Cause In Your Home

Rats aren't just unsettling and annoying pests; they come with real risks, both to your health and your property. When you consider whether or not to contact a professional, it is important that you understand the dangers and problems these animals present. Here are the facts:

• Rats can spread diseases such as salmonellosis, rat-bite fever, jaundice, typhus, and trichinosis.
• Rat feces and urine can be a source of contamination and disease.
• Rats carry ticks and fleas into homes. These pests have their own lists of diseases.
• Rats can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
• Rats can damage your home, your belongings, and your stored foods.
• While it is rare for rats to attack humans, they can become aggressive and bite.
• Rats multiply quickly – their populations in your home can quickly grow out of control.

The main way that rodents spread disease is through their waste and urine, but they can also contaminate food. It is also possible to be bitten or scratched by a rat; however, rodents don't typically lash out, and they're more likely to flee or run away than they are to try and fight you. Rodents can also sometimes spread other parasites when they enter your home, like ticks, fleas, and mites. Additionally, rats can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in some people.

Besides health concerns, rodents can be problematic in other ways. Mice and rats both like to chew through all sorts of materials, including wiring, insulation, and wood. Rodent damage can sometimes lead to wiring issues, short circuits, or even fires. These destructive pests can compromise your safety and lead to expensive repair work. 

It is best to deal with rats in San Mateo as soon as possible. If left to their own devices, rats will quickly multiply, contaminate your food, and damage your home. Rat control is a daunting task to undertake on your own, and is best left to the professionals. Let's look at how an expert may address your rat problem.

Call The Pros To Safely And Effectively Get Rid Of Rats

At Pacific Pest Management, we use Integrated Pest Management to address rodent problems. When your service professional comes to your home, here are a few things you can expect.

• We'll inspect your home and evaluate your rodent control issue.
• We may apply mechanical traps to capture and remove the rats.
• We may use glue boards to monitor rodent activity and remove them.
• We may deploy bait stations in protected areas on the inside and/or outside of your home.
• If damage needs to be repaired, we can handle this task for you.
• If decontamination and clean-up are needed, we offer this service as well.
• If you have access points, we can seal holes, gaps, and cracks.
• If your home has vulnerabilities, we can apply metal flashing, concrete patches, hardware cloth, and other appropriate materials.
• If your insulation has been contaminated, we offer insulation removal and installation. The insulation we install is pest control insulation.

Our rodent control services are comprehensive and effective. Once your rat infestation has been eliminated and rats have been excluded from your home, we may suggest recurring services for the year. We do this to make sure you are protected from future infestations. If you have questions or you'd like to request a service visit, reach out to us. We look forward to assisting you.

Five Easy Tips To Prevent Future Rat Infestations

There are many ways you can prevent a rat infestation. You can take these steps on your own or in conjunction with ongoing rat monitoring and control services.

1. Rats use objects in your yard to navigate. A yard that is free of clutter is more resistant to rats.
2. The scent of a dirty trash receptacle can attract rats. Take out the garbage when full, and clean and deodorize your receptacles regularly.
3. Rats look for hiding places. You can keep rats away from your exterior if you remove objects they can hide under and remove unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping.
4. Rats use common routes to get inside. It is important to block these routes. Seal gaps, cracks, and holes. Trim tree branches away from your roofline. Put wire mesh in your downspouts, and use hardware cloth to protect louvers, gable vents, and other vulnerable points of entry. 
5. Do you have a dog? When city rats come into your yard, they may take to eating dog droppings in your yard. Stay on top of waste clean-up to prevent this from being an attractant.

Prevention measures are a great way to reduce the likelihood of a future rodent infestation. For the best rodent prevention and control, reach out to the team at Pacific Pest Management. 

If you have questions about rats in San Mateo that were not addressed in this article, reach out to us. We're happy to answer any questions about rodent control and recommend solutions for your home. For a free rodent control estimate, contact Pacific Pest Management today.