Why DIY Rat Control Often Falls Short

When it comes to dealing with rats in your home, trying to do it yourself can be tricky. Hiring a professional pest control service is a smart choice because trained experts understand the complexities of rat problems and how to solve them effectively. Here’s what you need to know about rat control.

Rats are adaptable creatures that can eat almost anything, including human food and pet food. As urban areas expand, rats are pushed into suburban neighborhoods. In colder weather, rats might seek shelter inside your home, making it essential to address the issue promptly.

Types of Rats You Might Encounter

In many areas, the most common rats are Norway rats and roof rats. Norway rats, sometimes known as sewer rats, are larger and brown with lighter bellies. They tend to stay close to the ground and enter homes through lower openings.

Roof rats, on the other hand, enter homes through higher access points in roofs. They use tall shrubs and tree branches to reach roofs. Roof rats are usually darker in color and can climb well.

Detecting Rat Infestations

Rats are primarily active at night, making them less visible during the day. You might hear them scurrying in your attic or around your property. Rats prefer nesting in cluttered areas like piles of rocks or ground burrows. These burrows look like larger holes in the ground. Rats can also burrow in attic insulation, so decluttering and removing attractive nesting spots can help prevent infestations.

Rat droppings are larger than those of mice, about half an inch in size. You may find them in areas like kitchens, basements, garages, and attics where rats seek food and nesting places. Dry dog food is particularly appealing to rats.

Risks Associated with Rats

Aside from the ick factor, rats pose serious health and safety risks. They are known carriers of diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, tularemia, and rat-bite fever. Rats also harbor a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect dogs and cats.

Rats are destructive creatures, known to chew through materials like concrete and metal. They’ve even been responsible for fires due to chewed wires. They collect insulation, fabric, and paper from walls, attics, and packaging to build their nests.

DIY Rat Control Tips

If you decide to tackle pest control on your own, start by identifying how they’re getting into your home:

Inspect and Seal Entry Points: Check for gaps and openings and seal them to prevent further rat entry.
Remove and Secure Food Sources: Keep food properly sealed to eliminate potential rat attractions.
Eliminate Hiding Spots: Get rid of tall grasses, trash, and debris that provide hiding places for rats.

Why DIY Rat Control Often Fails

Rat control in Myrtle Beach is challenging and often unsuccessful when attempted by homeowners. While retail solutions may work for minor issues, they are rarely effective for larger infestations. Many homeowners miss critical signs and entry points, and improper use of retail products can worsen the problem.

Rats are intelligent and can learn to avoid traps and baits when not placed correctly. Misapplication of pest products can make matters worse and pose risks to people, pets, and the environment.

Why Choose Professional Rat Control

Professional pest control services in Myrtle Beach have the knowledge, experience, and proper tools to address rat infestations effectively. They create custom treatment plans based on your specific situation and conditions.

Don’t struggle with DIY pest control when dealing with rats. Contact Zap Pest Control Inc. today, and let our trained technicians handle the job for you. Your home’s safety and comfort are our top priorities!