Why Do I Keep Having A Rat Problem — And How To Solve It
Do you have a persistent rat problem that continues to recur?
If you continue to have a rat problem and you answered is yes to this question, then your past attempts to stop the infestations have failed. Many pest control companies do not specialize in rodent control and exclusions. Much like looking for a doctor, it’s important to research what the company you choose specializes in.
What are exclusions?
Rodent exclusion is a proactive pest control strategy that focuses on preventing rodents from entering a building or property by identifying, repairing, excluding, or sealing off potential entry points, such as cracks, gaps, penetrations, vents, and openings on any given structure. Rodent exclusion is a preventative and corrective measure, aiming to keep rodents out by means of physical barriers, before they become a problem, rather than trying to eradicate them after the infestation.
What Are Signs Of Rat Infestation ?
Droppings: Rat droppings are usually dark, oval-shaped, and about the size of a grain of rice. They may be found along baseboards, in cabinets, or near food sources.
Gnaw Marks: Rats have strong teeth and tend to gnaw on wood, plastic, wires, and even metal. Look for gnaw marks on furniture, walls, and any food packaging.
Chewed Wires: Rats often chew through electrical wires, which can be a serious fire hazard. If you notice damaged wires, it could be a sign of a rodent problem.
Unpleasant Odor: Rats can produce a musky, ammonia-like smell from their urine, feces, and nesting sites. This odor can become stronger as the infestation grows.
Nests: Rats create nests out of materials like shredded paper, fabric, and insulation. Check hidden areas such as behind furniture, in attics, or inside walls.
Squeaking and Scurrying Sounds: Rats are nocturnal, so if you hear rustling, scurrying, or squeaking noises, especially at night, it could be rats moving around.
Visible Rats: If you see a rat during the day, especially if it’s a mature one, it may indicate that the infestation is large. Rats are generally nocturnal, so seeing them during daylight hours can be alarming.
Footprints and Tail Marks: In dusty or muddy areas, rats may leave behind small footprints and tail marks. This can be an indication that rats are traveling along certain pathways.
Rubs and Smears (sebum): Greasy smudge marks along walls, floors, or entry/exit points, especially where rats travel frequently.
Damaged Food or Packaging: If you find food that’s been gnawed or packaging that’s been torn open, it might be from rats seeking food.
What is the correct way to tackle structural rodent infestation?
- Thorough inspection from the roof to the foundation and everything in between, identifying all evidence. Evidence includes all harborage, traffic paths, food and water sources, damage, and all current or potential entry and exit points structure wide.
- Remove all the food and water sources from the environment when possible.
- Start a trapping program utilizing as many traps and monitors as necessary to cover all the areas found during inspection. Do not utilize rodenticides during this process.
- Continue trapping until you are 100% certain the structure is free and clear of all rodent activity.
- Perform exclusions to prevent future infestations.
Sounds easy right?
Unfortunately, the fact is that many pest control companies do not possess the know-how, manpower, or skills to perform this type or work correctly. Also, In many cases, customers choose to take easier and less expensive routes while trying to solve their problem. These are two of the contributing factors that lead to reoccurrences and rat infestations.
There is also a third. It is the most overlooked area where rats can invade homes or businesses,
PLUMBING!
Plumbing is often the last consideration when tackling an interior infestation. If your home or building is in a dense urban area you must never discount plumbing as a possible mode of entry. Intrusion through plumbing is the fastest growing problem in all older urban environments, and it’s only getting worse! This can one of the main reason why you continue to have rat problems.
Plumbing, the biggest gap in rodent control programs.
- Focus on Conventional Entry Points: Traditionally, pest control efforts focus on common entry points such as cracks in walls, gaps around windows, doors, and other structural openings. These are often the easiest to identify and seal. Plumbing entry points, such as pipes entering the home or through vents, may not be immediately obvious, requiring more investigation and specialized knowledge.
- Lack of Plumbing Knowledge: Not all pest control professionals are well-versed in plumbing systems. Plumbing access points, vent stacks, or cracks in the pipes where plumbing runs, often require a more detailed understanding of how water and drainage systems function. Pest professionals might not always have the expertise or tools to identify these plumbing-related vulnerabilities.
- Underestimation of Plumbing Access: There’s a perception that plumbing systems, such as drainpipes or sewer lines, are sealed tight and resistant to rodent entry. However, rodents can climb the interior of pipes, chew through ABS or other materials, find gaps in deteriorating cast iron plumbing, appear in a toilet, or even navigate through plumbing vents. Many pest control experts may underestimate how frequently rodents exploit these routes.
- Difficulty in Inspecting Plumbing Areas: Plumbing systems are often located behind walls, under floors, or in areas that are hard to access. This makes it more difficult for pest control technicians to inspect thoroughly. In contrast, more visible and accessible entry points are easier to check and seal.
- Limited Training in Rodent Behavior: Pest control professionals are often trained in controlling visible infestations and may not be familiar with the full range of ways rodents can infiltrate a home. For example, some may not fully understand how rats and mice can swim or climb through pipes. This lack of comprehensive training can lead to missed areas where rodents can enter.
- Cost and Time Constraints: Addressing plumbing-related rodent entry points can be time-consuming and costly. It might require additional inspections, sealing work, and possibly collaboration with plumbing professionals. Pest control companies may be reluctant to take on these additional responsibilities or pass the task off to specialists, focusing on easier, more conventional solutions.
- Client Expectations: Many clients expect pest control services to focus on visible rodent activity or common routes of entry. If a customer hasn’t noticed rodents entering via plumbing, they may not request inspections in those areas, leading the pest control technician to focus on more accessible solutions.
- Difficulty in Fixing Plumbing Gaps: Even when plumbing-related gaps are identified, repairing or sealing them effectively can be difficult. Plumbing gaps often require specific materials, methods, or licenses that most pest control professionals might not have at their disposal.
Until now…
Pest control pros — want to stop rat problems for your clients at the source?
The Sewer Assassin is the first and only rodent bait station designed specifically for plumbing systems. Eliminate infestations from the inside out. Order the Sewer Assassin today and give your clients lasting results!
Stay proactive. Don’t let the rats win.
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