How To Deal With Rats In Your St. Louis Home

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It doesn’t matter what time of year it is; there’s always at least one group of active pests. Some species don’t rest or hibernate at all. This is one reason why recurring remediation is essential. Should critters like rats arrive, the state of your well-being and St. Louis home will be on the line.

You might be surprised at how easily rats get into buildings. Once they’ve gained access, they’ll start hastily reproducing in volume. As you might imagine, their populations are tricky to manage afterward. Prevention has to be put first, mainly since rodents rely on us for warmth, food, and water. “Do it yourself” methods aren’t the answer. Find out why, and learn how Arenz Pest Management can assist you. 

What Rats Are In St. Louis? What Are The Hazards?

Norway and roof rats are both very prevalent in the area. Norway rats are a frightening 15 inches long, and they have 7-inch tails. These gray, black, or brown creatures are known for ruining yards and landscaping with the nests and tunnels they forge in soil. The burrows will ultimately be used to violate your residence. Roof rats are just as intimidating as their counterparts, as they’re similar in size. The furry brown or black animals have pointed noses, scaly tails, and big eyes and ears. Roof rats will crawl across power lines and overhanging tree branches to land on top of a dwelling.

Grassy and wooded locations are havens for rats, so stand on guard if your home is in the vicinity of such a zone. Drawn to natural matter, vermin will come onto untidy lawns. Meager or aging foundations are simpler for them to penetrate. Any gaps can serve as passageways, even those ½ of an inch around. Cracks and crevices in utilities, vents, structures, and shingles are vulnerabilities. Rats will conceal themselves in dark, low-traffic places like attics, basements, and garages.

Signs of infestation are:

  • Finding feces
  • Noticing teeth marks on cables, furniture, and walls
  • Discovering oily rub stains on corners and foundations  
  • Seeing burrows in the ground
  • Catching rats in broad daylight; they’re nocturnal

Rodents have developing teeth that they saw down by gnawing on various objects. Should they get to cords, an electrical outage or fire may transpire. When they nibble on walls or pipes, cosmetic damages and plumbing malfunctions can arise. Given that these pests have parasites and bacteria in their hairs, you’ll have to worry about your food and surfaces being contaminated. Rodents have germs in their saliva, feces, and urine as well. Trichinosis, hantavirus, and salmonella are among the conditions they distribute.

How Can St. Louis Rats Be Prevented?

It’s uncommon to have both mice and rats concurrently. However, the preventative protocols are the same:

  • Lessen clutter and make sure storage units are orderly.
  • Use canisters with secure lids for food and trash preservation.    
  • Seal up holes in foundations and utilities with steel wool. Rats can bite through rubber and plastic.
  • Have leaks, and moisture hitches fixed right away.  
  • Distance plants and woodpiles two feet from the property.  
  • Get organic debris off of the yard.
  • Trim grass and greenery on a routine basis.
  • Swill out vents and gutters regularly. 

What Can Arenz Pest Management Do About St. Louis Rats?

The trouble with commercial traps and pesticides for rats is that they’re not fashioned for infestations. Only individual rodents will die. If they were stronger, you’d still struggle to access nesting points properly. Shelf goods can also be toxic. We at Arenz Pest Management have safe home pest control solutions that are industrial-grade. Our experienced technicians will employ interior and exterior treatments. Call for a no-obligation inspection today! 

Tags: rats in st.louis | preventing rats | st.louis pest control |

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