While rats are a common sight in many big cities and rural areas, they are not a pest you want in your home. Not only can they attack humans, causing bites and more, but there is also a long list of diseases rats carry that can be life-threatening, including the plague, murine typhus, salmonella, and more.
If you have spotted one or more rats in your home or rental property, now is the time to determine if they are indeed rats, learn whether or not tenants can sue landlords for rat infestations, what you can do to deal with an infestation, and the best way to get rid of rats for good. If you are struggling with rats on your property, EnSec provides pest control in Pensacola you can rely on to get rid of these dangerous pests for good.
How To Be Sure Its Rats Inside Your Rental
Not all rodents are rats. You can tell if you likely have rats inside your rental if:
- You smell a strong, musky odor which could be rat urine.
- You find small holes in holes and furniture where rats might be digging to find shelter.
- You find gnawed marks on furniture, walls, and more.
- You have seen a rat’s nest, which looks like a loosely woven ball about five inches in diameter.
- You find rat droppings, which are about half an inch long, shiny and dark in color, and do not have the pointy ends of mouse droppings.
- You have seen rats, generally larger than mice, with longer feet even when young.
Rats not only carry diseases, but they also reproduce quickly. One female can breed all year long, sometimes birthing over 40 babies every year. If you suspect a rat infestation in your rental, it is crucial that you take steps to control it as soon as possible.
Can Tenants Sue A Landlord For A Rat Infestation
The law requires landlords to provide a safe and sanitary place for their tenants. If you find rats in your rental, it is imperative that you notify your landlord immediately. If they fail to take action, they could be subject to a lawsuit. It is vital to ensure that you did not attract the rats yourself.
If you find signs of rats in your house or apartment, contact a pest control company as soon as you can, especially if your landlord does not, as rats can be dangerous.
Six Tips For Dealing With A Rat Infestation
In addition to following the advice of a professional pest control company, here are six tips you can use for dealing with a rat infestation:
- Ensure that all food sources are disposed of properly as soon as possible.
- Clean out the clutter so that rats do not have space to build nests.
- Consider installing wire mesh to keep rats out on your doors and windows, and make sure that they are in good shape.
- Do not leave water sources out, as rats need water to survive.
- Keep your home as clean as possible. Sweep, mop, and clean cooking and dining areas, as spills and crumbs are all a great source of food for rats.
- Contact a pest control company that can advise you based on your situation.
The best way to get rid of rats is to ensure that you do not keep attracting them by providing them with food and shelter and having the experts exterminate current infestations and prevent new ones from happening in the future.
How To Get Rid Of Rats In Your House Or Apartment
If you have determined that you have rats in your house or apartment, there are several ways that you can get rid of them. Options include traps, repellent sprays, rat poison, preventive practices, and more. Misusing them can lead to an even more significant infestation, and some of them can be hazardous to humans and pests. For the safest and most effective ways to get rid of rats, it is best to rely on the expertise of a pest control company.
As is the case with many invasive pests which can survive on very little and reproduce quickly, the best way to get rid of rats and mice is with the help of a pest control company. If you are struggling with rats on your Pensacola property, EnSec can help you get rid of these dangerous pests safely and effectively.