Rats are pests that can often ruin your home in many ways if not dealt with properly. The problem with rats is that they can easily stay hidden from our sight, they are also nocturnal in nature, which means that they move around at night and in the dark. This causes problems because sometimes, we may think that our house is safe from infestations until it escalates into a situation where it’s difficult to control.

Leeds alone in the United Kingdom has reported 2000 instances of rat infestations in the past 3 years, which has caused problems with home damage and sanitation issues. Here are some signs of rats in your home and how you can deal with them.

Common signs of an infestation

Rats are a type of long-tailed rodent known for being unsanitary and leaving destruction in their wake. You can tell a rat has made a base in your house if you see droppings that are dark brown and spindle-shaped. Damaged furniture is another indicator, as rats destroy objects and materials to create nests in areas such as within the walls or under floorboards. Additionally, rats destroy the packaging of food, so if you see holes in boxes of cereals or bags of crisps, chances are there is a rat around. Lots of clutter in an unused room is an invitation for pests to hide, including rats and cockroaches.

How to test for infestations using household materials

Talcum powder or flour is a good way to determine if rats exist in your home. Sprinkling small patches of it in corners or suspected areas will show you a trail of footprints to where they may be hiding. It is also possible to leave food items such as biscuits or bread in odd places. Rats are nimble and strong, so if the food items go missing, that means you may have a rat living in.

Options for dealing with infestations

It is possible to deal with rat infestations on your own, provided they are still few. Flypaper works great in catching rats. Make sure the flypaper is placed in corners and away from areas that children or pets could be stuck in, and add some form of food to attract them. Another option is rat traps, which come in different forms and sizes. Some may be a bit messy to clean up, so this may not be a viable option for you.

Should the number of rats be too much to deal with on your own, it will be time to call a pest control service. Pest control services are the quickest way to eradicate pest problems in your home. These professionals have tools that can easily be used to detect infestations and clean them out safely. This method saves a lot of time and effort, and could potentially save your home from heavy damages.

Conclusion

Commercial pest control has been tried and tested for many years, with innovative solutions to deal with the dangers of pests. Pests can range from rats, cockroaches, wasps and other bugs, which is what we at MJR Pest Control can offer you help for. We cover areas such as, but not limited to, Leeds, Wakefield, and the whole of Yorkshire.

Are you looking for a pest control service in Leeds? If so, it may be time to book an appointment with us at MJR Pest Control.