Warning Signs That Your Woodlands Home Has Termites
September 28, 2023
What early warning signs of termites do you need to know? Find out today how to identify these pests before they take over your Woodlands property.
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As members of the order Rodentia, Rodents comprise the largest group of mammals and exist in various ecological settings. Rodents share a common characteristic of having front teeth known as incisors that grow continually. Both the upper and lower rows of teeth have a single pair of incisors, which strangely lack any roots. To manage the size of these growing teeth, rodents constantly grind their teeth or chew on various materials.
Among the most common types of rodents in Fort Worth include rats, mice, squirrels, voles, chipmunks, and others. Although appearing similar to mice, rats are often three to six inches longer than mice. As omnivorous scavengers, rats will enter structures, and local homeowners should remain aware of the best prevention strategies.
Have you noticed indications such as sounds, smells, or signs of intrusion suggesting that big rats or similar rodents exist in your home? Based on the health risks and the potential for property damage that rats might create, you should seek assistance from a qualified pest controller that maintains the knowledge, tools, and equipment needed for expelling these creatures from the premises. An experienced Fort Worth pest control professional also understands how to keep rats out of yard areas.
How To Identify A Rat
What are some common characteristics among the different types of rats in Texas? In this region, the two most commonly encountered among homeowners are Norway rats and roof rats. Roof rats have a longer and leaner body style and dark brown or black fur. Norway rats have a slightly more compact body style and fur that might appear in shades of brown or grey. Roof rats are excellent climbers that might enter a home from upper levels, while Norway rats typically remain at ground level.
Rats Can Damage Property And Spread Disease
Hungry rats will rummage through properties accessing lightly packaged dried foods, trash bags, containers of animal feed, or pet food bowls or bags. Using their teeth and claws, rats will cause damage to wires, cables, drywall, insulation, and other materials. Rats might transmit salmonellosis, tularemia, rat-bite fever, and other concerns.
How To Remove Factors That Attract Rats To Your Home
Are you wondering what attracts rats to your yard? Those seeking to prevent rats from entering their yard areas should limit the following attractants:
- Limit food sources in yard areas by limiting access to gardens, promptly removing fallen fruits, and removing or relocating birdfeeders.
- Clean up all food scraps and packaging materials from yard areas after barbeques or picnics.
- Keep tree branches and tall shrubs trimmed back away from the structure that roof rats may use for access.
- Ensure that kitchen trash cans have functional lids and place any bags outdoors in durable, sealed garbage receptacles.
- Put leftovers in the refrigerator or sealed containers, sweep floors thoroughly, and avoid leaving dirty dishes out overnight.
Don’t underestimate rats, as a relatively small intrusion involving only a rodent or two might quickly develop into a full-blown infestation.
The Best Way To Safely Get Rid Of A Rat Infestation
The local specialists with All-Safe Pest & Termite receive both initial and ongoing education and training regarding the different kinds of rats found in the greater Fort Worth region. They also understand the best practices for how to get rats out of your house.
After performing a detailed inspection, our technicians may use a combination of strategies, including traps and baiting stations. We will identify potential entry points and remedy these using materials such as caulk, mesh, or flashing. As always, we will diligently follow up on our work and back its quality with a satisfaction guarantee. Contact our experienced team today for a consultation.
