Rats in Las Vegas are more than a nuisance. They spread disease, destroy property, damage clothes, and contaminate food. Without proper pest control, these menacing rodents can cause havoc in your residence. Dealing with a rat infestation can be challenging if you don’t have the expertise to control these pests.
This post explains how to deal with rats. You will learn how to detect, prevent, and eliminate rats from your home.
Signs of rats in your Las Vegas home
Rats are among the most cunning animals. They can invade your home without leaving a trace. You’ll only realize you have an infestation when you start hearing strange noises at night and noticing missing food and unexplained odors in your home.
Here are the top signs of a rat infestation:
- Rat droppings
Rat droppings are among the most common signs of an infestation. The droppings are usually dark and dry. You’ll find them around pantries, in drawers, under the sink, and near their hiding spots.
- Chewed holes
Rats have sharp teeth that can gnaw and chew through various materials such as plastic, wood, cardboard, and drywall. Chewed holes in your food packaging, walls, and ceilings indicate a possible rat infestation.
- Nesting material
Rats make nests using dried plant matter, shredded paper, and old fabric. If you find a pile of these materials around your home, know you are dealing with a rat infestation.
- Scratching noises
Since rats are nocturnal animals, they are most active at night than at day. You might hear scratching noises at night as the rats scamper in your ceilings and along your hallways.
- Stale smells
Stale smells and foul odors are an indicator of a rat infestation. When rats converge and urinate in their hiding spots, the urine emits a strong, pungent odor that smells like ammonia.
Preventing and controlling rat infestations
Most homeowners find out that they have a rat infestation when it is too late to do something about it. Fortunately, you can use these tips to prevent rats from invading your home and avoid future infestations.
Keep your home clean
Rats prefer to live in untidy spaces where they can easily access food and water. If you leave your house unkempt, rats will find a place to call home. Ensure you clean your basements and attics where rodents often nest.
Seal entry points
The easiest way to prevent rats from invading your home is to keep them out in the first place. Use steel wool to seal all entry points, including holes, gaps, and cracks on your walls. Close attic windows and trim branches near your house.
Store food appropriately
Rats can chew through various materials, including plastic. For this reason, consider using airtight metal or glass containers to store your cereals and foodstuff. Remove uneaten pet food and keep animal feed in rodent-proof bins.
Rat-proof your garbage bins
You’ll find rats hovering around overflowing garbage bins and trash cans. Consider sealing the containers with metal seals to keep rodents away. Keep the area clean and avoid accumulating piles of trash.
Set catch-and-release traps
Another way to control rats is to use traps. Catch-and-release traps are suitable since they don’t kill the pests but allow you to relocate them far away from your neighborhood.
Hire pest control services
Dealing with a rat infestation can be challenging for homeowners. The surest way to control these rodents is to call professional pest control services.
Contact Progressive Pest Control
A rat infestation is the last thing you want to encounter in your home. After all, these pesky pests can cause irreversible damage to your property and belongings. Fortunately, Progressive Pest Control is here to help eliminate rats in Las Vegas in the most humane way possible.
We are a professional state-licensed pest control company serving Las Vegas and its environs. We can help remove and exterminate rodents from your home quickly and safely. Call us today to schedule your appointment for a free quote.