There are multiple types of rats that live in Washington, including the roof rat, Norway rat, and pack rat. Rats can be dangerous because they spread diseases, trigger allergies, and destroy property. It’s vital to recognize signs of rat infestation so that you can address the problem.
IAs the weather becomes colder, rats seek shelter from the elements. This means that they may take up residence in your house. If you are dealing with a rat problem, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Our pest control technicians at Independent Pest Solutions are experts in dealing with rats. Allow us to take care of your rat problem for you. If you’re looking for rat pest control in Puyallup, we are the team for the job.
RAT REMOVAL IN PUYALLUP WA
What types of rats live in Washington?
There are multiple species of rat that could potentially be found on your property. The various types of rats have different behaviors, which means that different pest control methods may be necessary. Independent Pest Solutions utilizes our expertise to quickly identify the type of rat and implement the most effective control measures.
Common types of rats in Washington State:
1. Pack Rats
This type of rat is also known as the bushy-tailed wood rat. As their name suggests, they have bushy tails. They are also characterized by big, round ears and brownish-black fur. They are attracted to shiny objects and may collect them in their nests. They are skilled at jumping and climbing, and may gain access to a house from the roof. The bushy-tailed wood rat is native to the area.
2. Roof Rats/Black Rats
These rats are dark in color and lithe in shape. Their tails are longer than their bodies, and they have pointed noses. They are called roof rats, as you may have guessed, because of their tendency to live in the upper parts of a building, such as ceiling voids, attics, and eaves. Roof rats are an invasive species in the Pacific Northwest.
3. Norway Rats
Norway rats are larger than roof rats. Their faces are more blunt, and they have plumper bodies and shorter, scaly tails. Norway rats usually have lighter coloration, being brown or gray. This type of rat is also known as the sewer rat or brown rat. Their adaptiveness has led to their being the most common rat in America. Norway rats are not picky eaters and can live in a variety of habitats.
Are rats dangerous?
Rats can pose harm to people, pets, and property. The rats that infest homes are a far cry from domestic pet rats. Some of the reasons that rats are dangerous include:
1. Spreads Disease
Rats can transmit several diseases to people and pets. Some of these include leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, salmonella, tularemia, typhus, hantavirus, and more. They spread these diseases through urine, droppings, scratches, and saliva. Some of these pathogens can cause serious and even fatal illness in humans.
2. Triggers Allergies
For people with sensitive immune systems, the presence of rats can activate their allergies. Rat dander, shed hair, and waste can all trigger reactions. Rats can also cause respiratory issues for people with asthma.
3. Risk of Injury
Hopefully, if you are dealing with rats in your home, you won’t have to directly interact with them. However, rats are known to sometimes be aggressive. They may bite or scratch you, putting you at risk of contracting an aforementioned disease. Make sure to wash the injury thoroughly and reach out to a doctor if that happens.
4. Property Destruction
Rats can also cause damage to buildings, chewing through insulation, walls, and more. If they destroy structural components of a building, it can make the building unsound and at risk of collapse. Rats gnaw on materials to keep their teeth in check, and this may include wiring. Damaged electrical wiring is a big fire hazard.
What are some signs of rat infestation?
- Grease marks. When rats rub up against surfaces, they may leave smudges behind.
- Chew marks. Since rats like to gnaw on materials, you may notice strange teeth marks on furniture, cardboard boxes, and more.
- Nesting materials. You may find shredded paper, cardboard, cloth, insulation, and more.
- Droppings. Rats have cylindrical droppings that can be found where they travel.
- Bad odors. Because of their waste, rat colonies smell terrible.
- Hearing squeaking or scratching sounds. Once an infestation grows large, rats may make noise when they’re active at night.
- Pets behaving oddly. Dogs and cats are more sensitive to sounds, which means that they may react to rats when the people in the house don’t know they’re there.
If there are signs of rats on your property, reach out to Independent Pest Solutions as soon as you can.
Our pest control experts will conduct a home inspection to identify the extent of the problem. For effective pest control, you can count on us. Contact our team today!