Urban areas with dense populations and lots of industry will harbor mice and rats, and Oakland is no exception. Gaining entry through the tiniest of spaces, these rodents are difficult to get rid of as they breed quickly. One of the most common nuisance pests, they will contaminate food, damage property, and spread disease.
Why is a Rat in My House?
Rats are looking for readily available food sources and a warm place to safely nest. Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter. If there is not a gap large enough, their sharp incisors can gnaw through most home materials.
Norway rats like to stay at ground level or in burrows, in crawl spaces, basements, or around the perimeter of the house. Roof rats like to nest in trees, attics, and rafters. Both species are strong swimmers and can enter a home through pipes and toilets.
Inspection for Rat Infestation
Rat droppings and rat noises are the most obvious signs of a rat infestation. During an inspection, we start where you have noticed the signs of rats. We investigate your attic, crawl space, and exterior of your home looking for entry points. The most common signs of rodent activity are chewing, droppings, rub marks, nesting material, and small entry points.
Rat Removal
Based on the inspection, we create a custom rat control plan. The custom plan includes types of rat traps used, placement, and bait. The standard trapping duration normally takes between five to fourteen days. The trapping process might take longer if rats are well established.
Exclusions for Rat Control
Home exclusion is the most effective form of rat control. After rat removal, it is essential to repair any entry points on your home. Rats leave pheromone trails, and other rats will follow those scent trails. Exclusion methods include caulking cracks in foundations, capping chimneys, and installing rat-proof mesh over vents and pipes.
Damage Repair and Clean Up
Rats can create tremendous damage. We can repair damage caused by rats and clean up after them. We apply a sanitization agent and an ectoparasite agent.
Signs of Rat Infestation
Rat Sounds & Noises
Rats make a combination of squeaking, hissing, and chattering sounds. They can communicate different emotions depending on the frequency of the noise. Often, squeaks or hisses signify that a rat is afraid or in pain. The pests also chomp and grind their teeth. Finally, rats can be heard scratching, gnawing, and rustling inside homes.
Rat Feces in Oakland
Norway rats' droppings have blunt, rounded edges that are about 2 cm long. Roof rats' droppings are a little longer than 1 cm, curved with pointed ends. Regardless of the type of rat, feces are a serious health concern. Rats contaminate as much as 10 times the food they eat. As soon as rat poop is identified in pantries or cupboards, it is safest to get rid of anything not stored in a tightly-sealed container.
Dangers of Rat Problem
Rats can cause prolific damage from their constant gnawing. They will gnaw on any material in your home including wires, pipes, wood, and metal. Roof rats will create nests in your insulation.
Diseases from Rats
Rats carry various diseases. Some of the most commonly transmitted maladies include leptospirosis, plague, salmonellosis, and tularemia. Rats can spread diseases from direct contact like bites, from their feces and urine, and from ectoparasites on their bodies.
Rats also introduce ectoparasites like fleas and ticks into your home. Fleas and ticks present risks to the health of you and your family.
Pest Control Company
Critter Control has the experience to offer long-term rodent control to homeowners. As a wildlife removal company, we protect homes from future wildlife infestations every day. We know how to get rid of rats and keep them out of your home.