Rats are bad news for Granada Hills homeowners. Posing a risk to human health and safety, rats are one of the dirtiest pests homeowners encounter. Among the most damaging aftereffects of a rodent infestation are:
- Exposure to bacteria that can cause sickness in people and pets.
- Destruction of a home's structural components and personal property due to their constant gnawing
If you suspect you may have rodents in your Granada Hills home, you'll want to act fast, and the most effective way to do so is with professional pest control services. Rats are prolific and are known to seemingly double or triple in population overnight, growing into a daunting problem for homeowners.
Read on for more about what rats in Granada Hills look like, signs of a rat infestation in your Granada Hills home, why do-it-yourself (DIY) rodent control doesn't work for Granada Hills homeowners, and the best way to get rid of rats in your Granada Hills home.
What Do Rats In Granada Hills Look Like?
If you have an infestation in your Granada Hills home, Norway rats are the likely culprit. Norway rats, also known as sewer rats, are the most common rat species in this area, characterized by their fuller bodies, small eyes, and blunt noses. Adult Norway rats measure up to 11 inches long with tails that are slightly smaller than their bodies, and they are brown with grayish-white underbellies.
Also, roof rats are a potential threat to homes here in Granada Hills. Also known as black rats, roof rats are smaller than Norway rats, measuring between 5 and 7 1/2 inches long, and black to light brown with a lighter underbelly. Black rats have scraggly fur, big eyes, pointed noses, and tails that are longer than their bodies, measuring between 5 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches.
Signs Of A Rat Infestation In Your Granada Hills Home
You'll notice a few telltale signs if you have a rodent infestation in your Granada Hills home. Below are three of the most common:
- Rat Droppings: Rats have enormous appetites and are known to eat up to 20 times each day. They're also known to produce up to 40 droppings at night on the opposite end! Norway and roof rat droppings are dark brown and measure three-quarters of an inch long; Norway rat droppings have rounded ends, and roof rat droppings are capsule-shaped. Youo'llDroppings are generally found in open places, such as in attics, underneath kitchen appliances, and behind storage shelves and stored boxes.
- Footprints: A foolproof way to determine if you have rats in your Granada Hills home is by sprinkling a fine layer of flour on the floor, especially in and around kitchen areas. If you have rodents, you'll notice rat tracks from their feet and tails in the flour in the morning.
- Scratching Sound: As rats travel throughout your home, you'll likely hear their feet pitter-pattering. You may also hear a grinding sound, which is produced by their teeth-gnawing, known as bruxing.
Why Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Rodent Control Doesn't Work For Granada Hills Homeowners
While it's true that DIY rodent control methods do work occasionally, they are hardly successful in eliminating an infestation or even a problem that exceeds two or three rats.
And even with these attempts, the source of the infestation remains unaddressed, meaning that rodents can continue coming into your home. Because of rat reproductive behavior, female rodents can produce up to 84 offspring in a single year, making an infestation even harder for homeowners to gain control of on their own.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Rats In Your Granada Hills Home
Rats are dangerous pests to have in your Granada Hills home. At the first sign of rats, the safest and most effective way to get rid of these pests is with help from local professionals. At Johnny Rat Pest Control, we provide our customers with superior customer service and pest control treatments specified to their needs.
If you need Johnny Rat Pest Control's help, don't hesitate to contact us today.