Rodents, especially rats, are common household pests that people in Tumwater can encounter. Such persistent pests can damage your property, spread diseases, contaminate food, and pose safety hazards. Although some people may try to deal with the issue on their own, some situations require professional rat control services from Pointe Pest Control.
The damp climate in Tumwater creates perfect conditions for rats and mice, allowing infestations to become unmanageable. Recognizing the early signs of a rat issue can help you take proper action before the problem escalates. Below are signs it may be time to seek rodent control services:
You Hear Strange Noises in Walls
If you have been hearing scratching, gnawing, or scurrying noises at night, rats may have established themselves inside your attic or walls. Such nocturnal creatures are most active at night, doing their thing behind walls or in the ceilings. Rats use hidden spots to travel through your house, usually nesting in insulation or along ductwork.
Rodent Droppings and Urine Trails
Rat feces are small and dark, often found near food sources, in secluded places such a cabinets and closets, and along baseboards. Their fresh droppings tend to be moist and shiny while old ones are dry and brittle.
Also, rats leave behind urine trails that you may not be able to see. Sadly, these trails can create strong, musky odors.
Chewed Wires, Plastic, and Wood
The constantly growing incisors of rats force them to gnaw on almost anything they encounter. Finding gnaw marks on plastic containers, electrical wires, drywall, and wooden furniture indicates a rat infestation. The damp conditions in Tumwater usually drive rats indoors, putting your home at risk of severe damage.
As rats chew constantly, they can also cause electrical damage, posing a fire hazard. In this case, professional exterminators must protect your property against these damaging pests.
Greasy Rub Marks
Rats’ oily fur collects grease and dirt as they navigate through tight spaces. Eventually, they leave dark, greasy streaks along baseboards, walls, and entry points. Usually, such arks are found in areas where rats frequently travel, like along pathways to find food sources or near their nesting sites. Noticing unexplained dirty streaks or smudges in your house means you have a rat issue.
Unexplained Changes in Pet Behavior
Cats and dogs can usually detect a rat issue before you do. If your pest becomes fixated on a certain area of your house, like a wall, attic space, or cupboard, it might be a reaction to the presence of rats.
Strange barking, sniffing, or scratching at certain areas may indicate that rodents are hiding nearby. If your cat or dog seems agitated or is acting out of character, consider investigating further.
Nesting Materials
Rodents create nests with shredded paper, insulation, and fabric. Finding small piles of such materials in storage boxes or behind appliances indicates that rats have taken up residence in your home.
Rats are prolific breeders. One pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring every year. If you notice nesting materials, you may be dealing with a well-established rat infestation.
Sightings of Live or Dead Rats
Finding live rats inside your house is a strong indicator of a rat issue. Even spotting a rat outdoors close to your property could mean a bigger issue. As social creatures, rats tend to exist with many others.
In addition, spotting a dead rat indoors can be a cause for concern. This could mean that a rat has been nesting inside your house and succumbed to poison or a disease.
If you have sealed entry points before; however, rats still appear, they may be gnawing their way back in. through professional exclusion techniques, you can prevent further property damage and protect your house against future infestations.
