Your home offers the perfect hiding spot for unwanted rats to come and intrude. These animals seek shelter from either the harsh elements outside, predators, or possibly even a place to give birth to their young. Because they have such a need to find lodging, they will stop at nothing to get in, which could prove disastrous for you.

How Do They Get in?

Rats are incredibly flexible, and most of them can easily enter through a hole the size of a quarter. Unfortunately for you, this provides them with many options to get into your home and wreak havoc. When inspecting your home for entry points, look for mesh screens, which they can easily chew through. Weak spots on your roof can provide easy access to the attic as well.

The Dangers

Rats are more than just unsightly in your home, as they threaten structural damage to your home as well as health concerns for those inside it. They shred up insulation for nesting, which can result in increased heating and cooling costs. Their incisors require frequent maintenance. Regrettably, rats perform such maintenance on their teeth by gnawing on the wooden beams in your attic and crawlspace, resulting in significant structural risk to your home. They also tend to gnaw on electrical wiring, which can become a dangerous fire hazard inside your walls. If you find yourself near a rat, avoid physical contact, as they are capable of carrying and passing on diseases such as:

• Lassa Fever
• Hantavirus
• Leptospirosis
• Rat-Bite Fever

Trust the Professionals

A rat in your home is no laughing matter and should be taken seriously. It is fairly dangerous to attempt to deal with a rat infestation on your own. At Critter Control^® serving Tallahassee, our experts are trained in rat removal and have the equipment and experience to handle your problem safely and effectively. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.