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Rat-Proofing Your Salt Lake City Home: Simple Strategies And Effective Control

Rat crawling along a wooden fence.
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Rats are among the common house pests that homeowners in Salt Lake City deal with on a yearly basis. Though they are more active in the winter than in the summer, it’s never too early to start thinking about rat control in Salt Lake City. These pests can be quite a nuisance if you don’t know how to deal with them, so it’s important that you know how to respond if you think you might have a rat problem.

When you’re not sure about how to handle a pest, you can always call Pest Pro Pest Control. We’re the leading experts in the Salt Lake City pest control industry, and you can count on us to help you handle any pest problem you might have. First, let’s take a look at how big rats can get in Salt Lake City, as well as the specific kinds of rats you should be on the lookout for.

The Size Of Rats In Salt Lake City 

The two most common types of rats in Salt Lake City are the roof rat and the Norway rat. Roof rats, also called black rats or ship rats, are named for their habit of nesting in the upper sections of buildings. These rats are usually long and thin in shape, measuring between 12 and 16 inches long on average. Their fur is usually a brown color with spots of black and a black, gray, or white underside. They have large ears and eyes and a scaly tail.

Norway rats, also called street rats or sewer rats, can also measure up to 16 inches long, but they are usually a fair bit heavier than roof rats. Their fur is usually brown with some black hairs and a gray, off-white, or yellowish underside. They have long bodies with blunt snouts and small eyes and ears. Their tails are usually shorter than the length of their bodies. Now that we’ve discussed some of the different kinds of rats you might find in your home, let’s talk about the threats they present. 

How Rats Spread Diseases And Damage Property 

Both roof rats and Norway rats are known carriers of disease. The numerous diseases rats carry include jaundice, rat-bite fever, typhus, cowpox, and salmonellosis. Rats carry these diseases and spread them by contact, either directly or indirectly, to humans.

Norway rats can also gnaw through materials like plastic, wood, and even lead, making them an especially potent threat. They may also chew through wires, which can cause a fire.

How To Identify Factors And Reasons For A Rat Infestation 

Now that you understand not only how to identify rats but also why they can be a problem for your home, let’s take a look at what you can do to keep rats out of your house. Here are some simple methods that will help you identify factors that could attract rats: 

  • Keep an eye on your kitchen and any other eating areas to make sure they stay clean.
  • Look around the outside of your home for any small holes or cracks.
  • Pay close attention to the food that you store in cabinets and drawers.
  • Make sure to take out the trash on a regular basis. 

These tips should help homeowners with rat prevention, but they may not be enough to completely stop an infestation. If do you find yourself facing rats in your house, however, you still have one good option. 

The Pros To Know For Total Rat Control For Your Home 

Pest Pro Pest Control provides the best rat control services in Salt Lake City. You can count on us to always deliver for our customers.

Whenever possible, we offer same-day and emergency services to make sure you’re never left without options. Don’t let rats run your home; contact Pest Pro Pest Control today for total rat removal and peace of mind.

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