Rat Pest Control Services
As temperatures drop and winter approaches, creatures of all sorts have to figure out how to stay warm. This includes rats, which have to find ways to stay warm and survive the harsh cold. Rats are mammals, which means that they need to stay warm to live (just like humans). Rats or other types of rodents may move into your home during the winter, so it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of pest activity. Nobody wants uninvited guests over the holidays, especially when they are destructive pests. Thankfully, Independent Pest Solutions offers rat control services.
It’s a common misconception that rats hibernate like other animals do. However, they actually stay active in the cold winter months, which means they still have to find food and shelter. Other types of pests in Washington hibernate over the winter, such as stink bugs. Because rats do not hibernate, it may be easier to notice that you are dealing with an infestation. They leave behind signs of activity such as droppings and gnaw marks.
One way that rats survive the winter is by stockpiling. By the end of summer and into the autumn, rats actively search for extra food. They will collect this food and save it for the winter. That way, when food is scarce the rats can ensure their own survival. Rats are opportunistic feeders, which means that they will eat pretty much whatever they can get their hands on. This includes food in your pantry. If rats find a way to get food from your house, then they will not rest until they gather as much as possible. Any food touched by rats is contaminated and will need to be disposed of. Rats stockpile food in areas accessible for later use. These reserves are important to the survival of the nest. A rat stockpile will often include pet food, paper, seeds, grains, nuts, fabric, compost waste, and more.
Another way that rats have adapted to survive the winter is by burrowing. Rats are excellent diggers, a skill they take advantage of to stay warm. They usually dig their burrows near structures such as walls or fences, or near natural features such as rocks and trees. They might also live in piles of firewood, or near electrical boxes. Rats are able to burrow through ground or snow. Their burrows offer them warmth in the winter, although they will leave them to look for food or better shelter. Rats would prefer to live in your home instead of a burrow if possible. This is why it’s important to seal off any potential entry points that they could use to gain access to your home.
Rats usually build their nests in secluded spots, using materials that they have gathered. The location of these nests is very important; they have to be warm and dark, as well as out of the way of dangers such as predators and humans. This means that if they are infesting their home, they could be living in the walls, in your attic or basement, in the crawlspace, in your garage, or even in cabinets.
Pest Control Services in Puyallup, Wa.
Rats are very smart creatures, which helps them find creative ways to survive the winter. Rats have great memories, ability to learn, decision-making skills, and navigation skills. They can figure out ways to squeeze into a home that humans may not even think of. Rat intelligence and adaptability means that they are capable of surviving even the toughest situations.
There are multiple species of rat that live in the Washington area. Independent Pest Solutions’ experts are familiar with dealing with all of the local rat species. Identifying which species is ingesting the property is an important step towards proper pest control measures. Different rat species will have different behaviors, which means that pest control methods will vary. No matter which rat species you are dealing with, however, you don’t want them infesting your property.
Norway rats are an invasive species of rat from the old world, brought by colonists. They are resilient and adaptive, and prefer to live close to humans. They are also known as brown rats and sewer rats. They are brownish-colored, with gray underbellies. They are very large, about 16 inches long when including their long, scaly tails. Norway rats like to burrow in gardens, near foundations of buildings, and in woodpiles. They are great swimmers, and often live by a water source. They will scavenge for meat, grains, and other contents of your trash or compost.
Another common type of rat in Washington is the roof rat, also known as the black rat. They are another invasive species. They look similar to Norway rats, but are darker and thinner. They are skilled jumpers and climbers, which means they may gain access to your home through your attic. If your home or business has large trees or power lines nearby, or has overgrown vines on the siding, roof rats could climb up them. Roof rats prefer to eat fruits and nuts, but will eat pretty much anything available to them.
Pack rats, also called bushy-tailed wood rats, are another type of rat that lives in Washington. Unlike the previously mentioned species, pack rats are native to the area. They have bushy tails, large, round ears, and brownish-black fur. They are more tolerant of cold weather than other species. This means that even in the winter, they continue their regular activities. Pack rats, like roof rats, are excellent at jumping and climbing. That means that they will try to get into your building from the eaves and gutters. The reason why pack rats got their name is that they like collecting items for their nests.
Reach out to Independent Pest Solutions for expert, efficient pest control. If you see signs of rat activity on your property such as chew marks, droppings, dark smudges, debris, or dead rats, it’s important that pest control professionals come in as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse the infestation could become. You should be able to be comfortable in your home with your family during the holidays instead of worrying about pests. This winter, trust Independent Pest Solutions with eliminating your pest problem.
