Rat Rodent Control: How to Deal With Rats in and Around Your Home

Types of Rats in Central Texas

Norway Rats

Norway rats are stocky, with blunt snouts, small ears, and thick tails that are shorter than their bodies. Their fur is coarse and typically brown or gray with lighter underbellies. These rats are excellent at adapting to various environments, including urban areas, sewers, and agricultural settings. Their sharp front teeth allow them to gnaw through almost anything, including wood, plastic, and even concrete.

Norway rats are colony dwellers—if you spot one, there are likely more nearby. They are notorious for their problem-solving abilities, which help them infiltrate homes and make them difficult to eliminate once they’ve settled in.

Roof Rats

Roof rats, also known as black rats, have sleek bodies, pointy noses, large ears, and long tails. Unlike Norway rats, they prefer higher ground and are often found in attics, roofs, and other elevated spaces. These nimble rodents are excellent climbers, easily scaling walls and trees to access your home. Roof rats typically have dark gray or black fur and are social animals, often living in groups.

Roof rats are cautious creatures, which can make them challenging to trap. They communicate using various sounds and physical touch, which helps them navigate environments and avoid dangers.

If you think you have mice, check out this post about mice rodent control.

Common Entry Points for Rats

Both Norway and Roof rats can enter your home through small openings and gaps, making it important to know the most common entry points:

• Gaps and Cracks: Rats can squeeze through holes larger than a quarter. Check your home for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, or spaces where pipes and wiring enter the house.

• Vents and Chimneys: Open vents and chimneys provide easy access. Install proper mesh covers to block them.

• Garages: Norway rats frequently enter through garages, especially if the weather stripping is worn or damaged.

• Roof Access: Roof rats can enter through damaged shingles or gaps in roof structures, especially in areas where the roof changes pitch.

• Drain Pipes: Rats can climb up drainpipes or enter through broken grates in the sewer system.

How to Identify a Rat Infestation

To effectively address a rat problem, early identification is key. Here are some signs that rats may be in your home:

• Droppings: Rat droppings are small, dark brown to black, and about the size of a grain of rice. Fresh droppings are moist, while older ones become dry and crumbly.

• Gnaw Marks: Rats constantly chew to file down their ever-growing teeth. Look for gnaw marks on wood, wiring, and other materials around the home.

• Grease Marks: Rats often travel along walls, leaving behind greasy smears from their dirty fur.

• Burrows: Rats may dig burrows near your home's foundation, particularly if they are trying to access crawl spaces or pipes.

• Noises: Rats are nocturnal, so you may hear scratching or scurrying in your walls, ceilings, or attic at night.

• Footprints or Tail Marks: In dusty areas, you may notice footprints or tail marks.

How to Get Rid of Rats

The best way to evict rats is by using a combination of traps and sealing entry points. Here's how to take action:

1. Set Traps

Use snap traps, placed along walls where rats frequently travel. For bait, peanut butter, dried fruit, or even pet food works well. Rats are cautious, so it might take time for them to approach traps, but persistence is key. Always follow the trap instructions and ensure they’re placed out of reach of pets and children.

2. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home and seal any cracks, holes, or gaps larger than a quarter. Use steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh to block entry points around doors, windows, vents, and plumbing or wiring access points. Sealing entry points cuts off access to food and water, making the rats more likely to fall for traps.

3. Eliminate Food Sources

Rats are scavengers and will stay around as long as they have access to food. Store food in airtight containers, clean up crumbs, and avoid leaving pet food out. Keeping your kitchen and storage areas clean is crucial.

Health Risks Posed by Rats

Rats are not just a nuisance—they also carry serious health risks. Their droppings, urine, and saliva can transmit diseases like:

• Hantavirus: Spread through contact with rodent droppings or urine.

• Leptospirosis: Caused by rat urine, this disease can result in kidney damage and liver failure.

• Rat-bite Fever: A bacterial illness transmitted through bites or scratches.

• Salmonella: Rats can contaminate food, leading to food poisoning.

Always wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands when cleaning areas where rats have been.

Preventing Rats in Your Yard

Rats can also infest your yard, but there are steps you can take to keep them at bay:

• Clean Up Your Yard: Keep grass trimmed and remove piles of debris where rats might hide.

• Secure Trash Bins: Use rodent-proof bins and make sure lids are tightly sealed.

• Remove Bird Feeders: Bird feeders can attract rats, so keep them clean or remove them if rats become an issue.

• Eliminate Water Sources: Remove stagnant water sources like birdbaths or puddles.

• Plant Rat-Repellent Plants: Certain plants like mint and lavender can help repel rats.

Final Thoughts on Rat Control

Dealing with a rat infestation can be stressful, but with prompt action and proper preventive measures, you can keep your home rat-free. Regularly inspect your home for signs of entry, eliminate food sources, and keep your space clean. If the problem persists, don’t hesitate to call in professional help. Early detection and proactive prevention are the keys to long-term rat control.

How Jo's Pest Control Can Help

At Jo's Pest Control, we start by performing a thorough evaluation of your property to identify the type of rat and the extent of the infestation. After pinpointing the entry points, we create a comprehensive plan to evict the rats and seal your home to prevent future invasions. We also offer warranties for our work, ensuring that if any issues persist, we'll return to reservice the property.