Rats are some of the most successful pests on earth. They are able to adapt to a variety of harsh environments, can solve complex problems, and breed at a prolific rate. This is great news if you’re a rat, but if you’re a human being living in New Jersey, it means trouble for you and your property.
Rats can be a destructive, disease-spreading presence in your home or apartment. So, what can you do about rat control in New Jersey?
About Rats
Rats are members of the rodent family and are represented by approximately 60 species all over the world. They can range in size, but most rats that we’re familiar with are about six inches in length, not including their long, scaly tail. Their fur is typically brown to gray in coloration.
Man-made environments are ideal for rats. The most common species, the Norway rat (also known as sewer rat or city rat) can be found in towns and cities on every continent except Antarctica. Humans unknowingly provide plenty of food and shelter for rats, leaving out garbage and food waste where rats congregate.
What If Rats Get In My Home?
A rat infestation is a serious problem. Rats aren’t simply rude neighbors, they’re dangerous pests that can destroy your property and make you and your family sick.
Like all rodents, rats have strong teeth that continue to grow as they mature. In fact, their teeth never stop growing and must be filed down through constant gnawing. Rats will chew up almost anything they can get their mouths on, including drywall, wood, paper, and even bricks.
Rats are also known to carry parasites and disease.
Contact with rat feces or urine can transmit leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Rats that carry fleas and ticks pose the risk of transmitting bubonic plague, an infamous disease which still infects thousands of people every year.
How To Prevent Rats
If you’ve spotted rats around your property or suspect there may be rats in your neighborhood, there are a few steps you can take to prevent rats from getting inside:
Properly store garbage. Rats are scavengers and thrive off of human food waste. Make sure your trash is stored outdoors in a secure receptacle. Rats can chew through plastic containers, but a sturdy metal bin with a locking lid will keep them out.
Close off points of entry. Take a look around your property and identify any cracks or holes that a rat could squeeze through. Most rats only need a 1/2-inch hole to get into your home. Use steel wool or metal plates to cover any points of entry you find.
Clean and organize. Make sure your yard is free of places where rats can hide, like tall grass and wood piles. Pick up any pet food or birdseed that could attract rats.
Reduce water sources. Check for any leaking pipes, spigots, sprinklers or other plumbing fixtures that could attract rats. Be sure to empty your pet’s water dishes or other sources of standing water outdoors.
Professional Rat Control In New Jersey
You can do your best to prevent rats from invading your property, but once an infestation develops, you need a professional solution. At Amco Pest Solutions, we have over 80 years of experience in protecting you from troublesome pests like rats. With free estimates available, we will work with you to identify and eliminate your rat problem and keep them from ever coming back.
If you’re looking for expert rat control in New Jersey, contact us today.