If you have a wood rat infestation, it is important to take action as soon as possible. These rodents can cause a lot of damage to your home and property, and they can also be hazardous to your health. In this blog post, we will provide 7 tips for how to get rid of wood rats and prevent them from entering your home in the first place.
Are you needing rodent control in Douglas or Lincoln County? Recon Pest Services is here to help. Servicing the greater Omaha and Lincoln areas, we have the tools and knowledge to remove any common pest from your home. Contact us today for a free quote!
Tip 1: Understanding Why Wood Rat Infestation Happens
What are wood rats, and why are they in your home?
Wood rats (along with other rodents) are attracted to houses for a variety of reasons. They may be seeking food, shelter, or somewhere to establish their nest. When a home is jam-packed with garbage and trash or is just generally messy, it becomes a more appealing habitat for rats and mice alike.
In the wild, wood rats often make their homes in dead trees and brush, so they will be more likely to break into your home if there is scrap wood or brush near possible entrances to your house.
Wood rats love to gnaw on things, and they will often chew through electrical wires, which can cause fires. They will also urinate and defecate everywhere, which can contaminate food and spread disease. In short, wood rats are not only a nuisance but can also be dangerous.
Tip 2: Identify Where Wood Rat Entry Points
The first step to wood rat control is to find out how the wood rats get into your home. These rodents are small and adept at hiding, making it difficult to discover their entry points. Examine every nook and cranny inside your house, particularly those that are low to the ground, such as basements or near gardens or porches. Look for any cracks or possible points of entry that are greater than three inches across on the outside of your home’s exterior. Even the tiniest of holes can tempt young rats and mice!
Tip 3: Repair and Seal Off Entry Points
Once you’ve discovered the entry points, seal them with steel wool or caulk. Steel wool can be used as a wood rat repellent since rats and other vermin cannot chew through it. After you fill the crack, sand down and seal the surface with caulk.
If you’ve been experiencing an infestation for some time, there are a few important ways to repair damage caused by wood rats:
- Check and replace any insulation that has been chewed through
- Repair any electrical wires that have been gnawed on (this is crucial because it can be a fire hazard)
- Clean up any droppings, which can harbor diseases and rot
Tip 4: Get rid of Food and Water Sources
Wood rats are drawn to houses to locate food and water. They are attracted to any type of food, but they especially like sweets, fruits, nuts, and pre-packaged flour or corn that can be obtained quickly.
Food in your kitchen and pantries should be kept in airtight containers and crumbs should be cleaned off of the counters and floors. Any standing water sources, such as leaking pipes or faucets, should also be eliminated. Sweep and mop your flooring on a regular basis to keep it looking clean. If you have pets, make sure the food dishes of your pets are kept clean, as rats can steal scraps left over at night.
Tip 5: How to Get Rid of Wood Rats with Traps
If you have already found wood rats in your home, the next step is to remove them. This can be done with wood rat traps. You will need to set the trap and check it regularly, as dead rats can attract other pests, such as flies. Once the trap has caught a rat, release it far away from your home to prevent it from coming back.
Snap traps are the more traditional option, and they typically kill the rat instantly upon contact. If you opt for this method, make sure to wear gloves when handling the trap and dead rat to avoid contact with any diseases that may be present.
Place your wood rat traps in areas where rats congregate, like around insulation, pantries, kitchens, and infrequently used and cluttered spaces.
Tip 6: Cleaning Up After Removing Wood Rats
When you’ve removed all of the wood rats’ droppings and nesting materials, it’s time to sanitize your house. This can aid in the prevention of illnesses. You should also repair any damage done by rodents, such as chewed cables or insulation, which can cause fires if you’re not careful.
Rat feces contains high levels of arsenic, and while it isn’t typically harmful in small amounts, excessive accumulation can lead to skin issues like cancer. To avoid spreading bacteria throughout your body, keep your hands away from your face at all times when handling rat droppings. When you have them on hand, wear a face mask and gloves to protect yourself.
Tip 7: Call a Professional for Rat Pest Control in Douglas & Lincoln Counties
When all else fails, the team at Recon Pest Services is here to help home and business owners in the greater Omaha and Lincoln areas. We can detect and remedy rat problems in the home any time of year, giving you peace of mind and a safer home. When you need pest control for rats, give a call us at 402-683-7809!
