Rats are small and intelligent rodents known for being adaptable and prolific breeders. They thrive in Greensboro, where they play essential outdoor roles as scavengers, but can quickly become problematic when they settle on our properties. Some species can also transmit dangerous illnesses.
In this blog on rat control in Greensboro, Go-Forth Home Services will review common DIY methods and the limitations of homemade strategies. We will also discuss why many underestimate intrusions and how to eliminate rats from your home for good.
Common DIY Methods Used
DIY rat control methods can help keep these unwanted guests at bay up to a point. Here are some of the most effective ones:
- Keeping food out of reach: Store your pantry items in sealed, sturdy containers to keep rats out. Also, regularly clean your kitchen and dining room and put away pet food outside regular meal times.
- Sealing structural vulnerabilities: Use materials like caulk and weatherstripping to close gaps rats might exploit to come inside.
- Maintaining your landscaping: Keep your yard tidy by trimming dense vegetation that rats can use as hiding spots. A clean outdoor space can discourage many pests from invading.
- Eliminating stagnant water: Ensure there's no standing water around your property, as rats need water to survive and will favor your home over drier ones.
Combining these methods can make your Greensboro home less appealing to rats. Unfortunately, your infestation might be more widespread than you think, making DIY approaches ineffective.
How Most Underestimate the Scale of the Infestation
Many homeowners underestimate the scale of a rat infestation for several reasons. First, rats are nocturnal. You are unlikely to notice them during the day in the early stages. They are also experts at hiding.
Additionally, rodents are prolific breeders. It is easy to end up with a full-blown infestation, starting with only a few. You might only become aware of the exponential growth of the population once it overwhelms your property.
Rats are also great at exploiting structural vulnerabilities. They can enter through small openings that might go unnoticed without professional inspections. And finally, early signs of rats, from gnaw marks to unusual pet behavior, can be subtle. Reaching out to the pros rather than wasting time on DIY baits and traps is often the best approach.
Limitations of DIY Baits and Traps
DIY rat baits and traps have limitations you need to be aware of. First, rats are intelligent. After observing what happens to others within the colony, they may become wary of your setup, leading to decreased effectiveness over time.
Also, DIY solutions often address the symptoms rather than the root cause of the infestation. You must identify and seal entry points so new rats will stay out. Otherwise, you won't have enough traps and bait for the entire colony. Finally, placing them in the wrong spots can also result in injuries to your pets and loved ones.
Investing in professional rat control will give you access to targeted solutions that effectively eradicate your infestation. They are much more efficient than DIY methods that only offer short-term results.
Importance of Professional Rat Control Services
The professional rat control services of the Go-Forth Home Services team can provide you with the targeted approach to thoroughly remove your rat problem.
Rats are dangerous invaders that can spread diseases and cause property damage. DIY methods are no match for large or persistent infestations. We can handle the most complex situations while prioritizing safety for your loved ones, including pets and children. We will also prevent reinfestation with valuable prevention strategies.
Call Go-Forth Home Services today to learn about our options, including monthly or quarterly services using glue boards, traps, and bait stations. We also provide exclusion work for long-term results.
Go-Forth Home Services is Greensboro's go-to for reliable pest control. Get started today by scheduling a visit with one of our rat exterminators.