How To Properly Tackle A Rat Problem Inside Your Long Island Residence
New York City has long been infamous for its rat issues, and as part of the metro area, we don't get a pass here on Long Island. You might shrug off rat infestations as just part of the territory here, but that would be a big mistake. Rats can do everything from sending you to the hospital to burning your house down (you read that right). That's why they must be at the top of your Long Island pest control priority list.
Where Do Rats Like To Hide?
Being rodents, both rats and mice will hide pretty much anywhere that's convenient and far away from pets and people. However, since rats are much larger than mice, they have to work harder to find suitable places to bed down, which is why a rat infestation is often much more destructive than a mouse infestation.
Rats will often tear out insulation to create plush dens for nesting, rip right through drywall to create entryways for themselves, and even tunnel through items in storage. You'll find rats anywhere from the basement to the attic, and they'll often have made quite a mess to get there.
Is It Possible To Have A Rat-Free Home Without Killing Them?
Nowadays, many people are interested in cruelty-free rodent control. Unlike pest insects, rats feel pain and are actually quite intelligent. Some people even keep pet rats! While it's tough to get rid of a rat infestation without killing or harming the animals, there are a few cruelty-free methods, such as rat repellent sprays and scare tactics like fake owls. Unfortunately, these methods only go so far; this is why the best way to control rats without harming them is to make your home unattractive to them, thus encouraging them to move on to easier pickings.
Five Ways To Deter Rats
When it comes to repelling rats, there's good news and bad news. The bad news is preventing rats is easier said than done. The good news is there are plenty of ways to go about it, such as:
Cover all indoor and outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
Store all pantry foods in airtight containers.
Get rid of all ground-level water sources that you can.
Seal up cracks and holes in your home's exterior that rats could use as entryways into your house, including installing wire mesh for rats over ventilation and other legitimate openings.
Declutter to reduce rat hiding spots and nesting areas.
Another good way to discourage rat activity is to get a cat or rodent dog. Rats don't like to live alongside their natural predators. So a cat or a rodent-hunting dog breed can make your home a more hostile environment for them.
Total Rat Control For Long Island Residents
We talked a lot about how to avoid a rat infestation. But what about if you wind up with one anyway? The truth is that there are not many ways homeowners can deal with an established rat infestation themselves. Snap traps and rat poisons are just not effective methods for eliminating large numbers of rats – not to mention they aren't exactly cruelty-free.
For safe and effective home rat control, your best bet is to contact us here at A&M Quality Pest Control the second you see signs of rats – such as droppings or damage. Our rat removal methods are safe and effective, and we can ensure that your rat problem is gone for good. So give us a call or visit our contact page to get started today.