Buda's Complete Guide To Effective Rat Control

In our area, we have two rat species that are a concern. They are the Norway rat and the roof rat. Norway rats are brown rats that typically burrow in the ground, but they can establish themselves inside man-made structures. Roof rats are black rats that nest in high places, such as holes in trees. When they get into a man-made structure, they usually stay permanently. Both rat types live in groups. So trapping and removing one rat is rarely the end of an infestation. Here's a quick guide to help you avoid the pitfalls associated with rat control in Buda.

What You Need To Know About Trapping Rats

There is no better way to get control of rats in Buda than to deploy traps. Unfortunately, trapping rats isn't easy. It requires some know-how. If you use the wrong trap, you won't catch any rats. If you use the wrong bait, you'll reduce your chances of success. If you place the traps in the wrong locations, rats won't come in contact with your traps. If you touch the traps, rats can smell you on them, and they'll avoid them. A licensed professional uses appropriate traps and field-tested methods to get the best results.

When rats are already inside your property, we don't recommend trapping them yourself because rats are a serious health threat and they pose a danger to your property. If your trapping fails, or you manage to catch one rat (which is worse), rats will continue to impact your health and destroy your property.

If You Don't Have Rats Yet

Before rats get into your home, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of an infestation. Rat prevention falls into these two categories:

Rat Exclusions

Seal any gaps in your foundation walls, particularly around pipes, wires, windows, and doors.
Replace or repair damaged screens, weather stripping, and door sweeps.
Replace damaged vent covers.
Fix damaged window or door panes.
Put wire mesh in your downspouts to prevent rodents from working their way up to your vulnerable roofline.
Trim branches away from your roofline to keep rats off your roof.
Use a caulking gun to fill in wood holes that have been created by rats.
Use metal flashing to bolster areas that are being chewed on by rats.

Rat Attractants

Protect vegetables, fruits, and berries with fencing. Be sure to install fencing at least a foot below the surface of the ground to prevent rats from burrowing under.
Move bird feeders away from your exterior. This is an appealing food source for rats.
Protect your trash. You would be surprised at how easily a rat can find a meal inside your trash. It is best to never put bagged trash on the ground unprotected. When you put bagged trash in receptacles, make sure they have a cover. Rats are amazing climbers and jumpers. They can scale a wall and leap into an uncovered trash receptacle.
Refrain from feeding pets outside. If you must feed pets or livestock outside, put food down only during mealtimes and never overnight.
Address any conditions that allow for standing water, such as clogged gutters, damaged plumbing, compacted ground, low areas, and containers left in the yard.
Remove clutter from your yard. Rats like to hide under and inside yard clutter. If an object doesn't need to be in your yard, it is best to store it inside.
Keep your landscaping trimmed and as open as possible. You don't want rats to be able to explore your landscaping without being easily seen by you, and by the animals that prey upon rats. This will make them uneasy.
Pick up dog droppings. Rats can take to collecting and eating dog droppings. It isn't a preferred food source, but it will do in a pinch. Urban rats are more inclined to do this, especially if they're having trouble finding food sources.

Don't Go It Alone

Remember that the team at White Knight Pest Control is available to help you get control of rat activity on your property, and to remove any rats that have gotten inside. Reach out to us today for pest control services in Buda, TX and the surrounding area. We're here to help!

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