The Hidden Life of Rats: Why You Need Professional Pest Control
Rats – these small rodents might seem harmless but they can cause a lot of harm and pose serious health risks to you and your family. There’s more to these pesky creatures than meets the eye.
Rats and their Daily Activities
A single rat can produce between 20 and 50 droppings a day. They spend roughly 2% of their daily activities gnawing on various natural and manmade objects, causing significant structural damage to your property over time. This isn’t just a minor annoyance, it’s a potential safety hazard that can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Rats’ Unyielding Appetite
Rats will eat just about anything, including decaying material. This indiscriminate eating habit brings them into contact with various bacteria and pathogens, which they can subsequently spread throughout your home. This presents a clear and present health risk to everyone living in your property.
The Incredible Durability of Rats
Rats are incredibly hardy creatures. A rat can swim for three days before it drowns and can squeeze through a space as small as a half dollar. These features enable rats to access and infest a wide range of environments, including your home.
Rats: A Public Health Concern
Rats are not just destructive; they can also be dangerous. Conservative estimates say as many as 14,000 people are bitten by rats each year in the U.S. While the plague often is thought to be a historical disease, about 10 to 15 people in the U.S. contract this rodent-borne disease each year. Both wild and domestic rodents have been reported to harbor and spread as many as 200 human pathogens.
Rats’ Behavior and Lifespan
Rats are most active at dusk and dawn. The average home range of an established Norway rat in urban areas is 25 to 100 feet from its nest. Though in captivity, rats may live for three or more years, wild rats in urban areas normally live for only five to 12 months. Rats are wary of new objects or sudden changes in their environment, a behavior known as “neophobia”, making them particularly difficult to eradicate once they’ve established a presence in your home.
Time to Act: Protect Your Home Today
Dealing with a rat infestation isn’t something you should attempt on your own. Due to their behavior and ability to rapidly reproduce, a small rat problem can quickly escalate into a full-blown infestation. The health risks and potential damage they pose make them a serious issue that requires professional pest control services.
At Cross Country Pest Control, we have the experience, tools, and expertise to effectively deal with any rat infestation. We understand the risks and know how to eliminate these pests in a safe and efficient manner. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Click the button below to get a quote and let us help you reclaim your home from these unwanted pests.
