Both rural and urban areas have their fair share of rat problems. It’s not just homeowners who have to deal with these pesky creatures, businesses do too.
When the time comes that these rats cause problems, it’s time to call in the professionals. If you’re curious about how they do it, here’s a quick rundown.
Pest control experts usually start with a thorough inspection of the property. This allows them to understand the severity of the infestation as well as identify the kind of rats, their entry points, and their possible nest locations.
Once the inspection is complete, they will develop a treatment plan specifically for your property. Some treatment plants may include baiting, trapping, and exclusion.
Professional Pest Control Companies: How They Get Rid of Your Rat Problems
If you’ve tried different methods and nothing seemed to work, it might be time to call a professional pest control company.
These companies have the experience and expertise to help you get rid of your rat problem for good. Here’s how they do it:
Careful Property Inspection
Depending on the size of your home or business, a professional pest control company will send one or two technicians to conduct a thorough inspection.
Understanding the problem before starting the treatment is crucial to getting rid of your rat problem for good.
The inspection will include a careful examination of the property, both inside and out. Inspectors will search for entry points, possible food sources, and nesting areas.
If possible, they will also identify the type of rats infesting your property. This information is important in developing an effective treatment plan.
Treatment Plan Development
After the inspection, the pest control company will develop a custom treatment plan specifically for your property.
Homes and businesses are different, so the treatment plan will be unique to your situation.
The type of rats infesting your property will also play a role in determining the best course of action. For example, if you have Norway rats, trapping may be more effective than baiting.
The technicians will also take into consideration any children or pets that live on the property.
Some of the applicable treatment plans may include but are not limited to:
Baiting
Rat poison with the use of bait stations is one of the most common methods used in rat control.
Pest control companies will strategically place rat poison around your property, usually in areas where rats are most active. Where these areas are will base on their initial inspection, but they are typically in dark, secluded areas.
Additionally, bait stations are enclosed boxes that protect the rat poison from children and pets. They also keep other animals from eating the poison meant for rats. This is by far considered one of the best methods of getting rid of rats, and can be placed with other methods to ensure its effectiveness.
Trapping
There are different types of traps and each one has its own pros and cons. Sticky traps, snap traps and electric traps are some of the most common types.
This can be used in conjunction with baits and poisons, or as a standalone method.
Pest control companies will place the traps in strategic locations around your property. The number of traps used will depend on the severity of the infestation.
They might perform the initial set-up and would come back after a few days to retrieve the trap and reset it if needed.
Closing Entry Points or Exclusion
Once the rats have been eliminated, it’s important to take measures to prevent them from coming back.
Pest control companies will conduct a final inspection and identify any entry points that need to be sealed.
This is usually done by patching holes with wire mesh or caulk. In some cases, they might also recommend installing door sweeps or screens.
Follow-Up Visits
In some cases, the pest control company will schedule follow-up visits to ensure that the rats are gone for good. These visits usually take place a few weeks after the initial treatment.
During these visits, they will check the traps and baits to see if they’ve been triggered. They will also inspect the property for any new entry points or signs of activity.
How Long Does it Usually Take for Professionals to Get Rid of Rats?
Depending on the method used, DIY rat poisons and baits may take three to seven days to see some results. However, this might not be enough to completely get rid of your rat problem.
Calling a professional pest control company is the best way to ensure that rats are eliminated from your property for good.
These companies have the experience and expertise to get the job done quickly and efficiently. In most cases, a single visit is all it takes to get rid of your rat problems.
Commercial-grade rat poisons are more effective and stronger than those available to the general public. Pest control companies also have access to better quality traps. This allows them to get rid of rats quickly and effectively.
Final Thoughts
If you think things have gotten out of control and you have a rat problem, letting the professionals do the work for you is always the best option.
Their unrivaled experience and knowledge of rats allow them to get the job done quickly and effectively. The process begins with a property inspection, followed by the use of different methods to get rid of the rats.
These methods may include baiting, trapping, and exclusion. Pest control companies will also schedule follow-up visits to ensure that your property is rat-free.
