Several types of rats can be found in Lexington, South Carolina. One of these rat species is the Norway rat, also known as the brown rat. Like other rodents, this pest has a long history of dependency on humans, and this is no different today. Norway rats are common home invaders and rely on people for easy access to food and other necessary resources.
The following traits can identify this species:
- Large and heavy bodies grow between 7 to 9 inches from the nose to the base of the tail and weigh between 7 to 20 ounces
- A 6 to 8-inch long bi-colored tail
- Black to brown fur with a lighter color underbelly
- A blunt nose, small ears, and small eyes
In general, rodents like mice or rats are unwelcome in any South Carolina home, which is all residents should know what problems come with Norway rats and the best way to get rid of rats fast.
What Problems Do Norway Rats Cause?
Norway rats are the cause of many dangerous problems for homes they invade. These problems include property damage and health concerns.
Property damage caused by this pest include:
- Chewing through materials like wood, drywall, insulation, metal, and more can lead to structural damage and ruin personal items.
- Causing fire and flood hazards.
- Leaving behind greasy smear marks, urine, and feces.
- Creating nests with items found throughout a home.
Health concerns include:
- Diseases spread by rats such as hantavirus, rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, plague, leptospirosis, and more.
- Spreading parasites like fleas and ticks, can lead to other diseases.
- Contaminating food and surfaces with saliva and waste.
- Triggering allergies and asthma.
One of the best ways to keep you and your family safe from the diseases spread by rats and the property damage they cause is with ongoing prevention.
How Can I Prevent Norway Rats?
Mice and rats are difficult to prevent due to the small hole they can slip through. And although Norway rats are larger than many other types of rats, they still only need a hole the size of a penny to get inside.
To prevent rodents, you should do the following:
- Seal any potential entry points in the foundation and exterior walls of your home.
- Regularly clean your property, especially in often forgotten places like underneath heavy appliances and in the backs of cabinets and pantries.
- Store food in air-tight containers and don’t leave pet food or dirty dishes out overnight.
- Keep your yard clear of debris, including fallen fruit and excess foliage.
- Address moisture issues such as leaks and high moisture build-up.
Because rodents are so dependent on people, keeping them away is a challenge. If you believe you have an active infestation or need extra assistance with prevention, you should turn to professional pest control.
How Do I Handle A Norway Rat Infestation?
The most effective and safest way to handle a rat infestation is to contact professionals. For Lexington residents, The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. is the best way to get rid of rats fast.
Our expert technicians understand rodent behavior, which is necessary to eliminate an infestation instead of only removing the seen pests. We will remove active pests, seal entry points, and help eliminate the factors that attract them, so they don’t return.
Give us a call at The Original Bugman Pest Elimination, Inc. for assistance with Norway rats. No matter your pest control needs, we will meet them with a customizable plan that works for you.
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