Choose a professional exterminator in Alexandria VA to help you with any rodent problem. To control rat problem you will need to plan for a two phase approach. First phase is to catch and exterminate the rats and the next phase is to take proper measures to keep them out from future infestation. Rats usually don’t live inside the homes but visit it seeking food and safety.
Talk To Your Exterminator In Alexandria VA About Keeping Rats Out Of Your House
One of the most important things when trying to keep rats out of your home is to block all possible access and the best way to do is to walk around the house looking for possible entryways for these pests. Look for exterior vents on the foundation or on gables and roofs. Make sure that any vents are covered by galvanized mesh screen. Any openings around the foundation that is bigger than a quarter is enough for a rat to pass through. Any trees and branches overhanging from the roof provides as easy access to the roof. Keep the trees, shrubs and plants around the house trimmed. Any garbage or trash cans should be kept at a distance from the house. Any holes or openings should be covered with metal screens or filled with caulk or construction adhesive.
Talk To Your Exterminator In Alexandria VA About Catching Rats
There are few non-toxic methods that can be used to catch rats. Cats are the oldest tested and tried method to control rat population but if you are not a cat person then this solution has its limitations. Use of traps is another method popularly used for catching rats. There are different kinds of traps available – sticky traps, snap traps or spring traps. Traps can be used effectively only if you understand rat behavior and you might require professional help.
If all other measures are not effective then poisoning is your last resort. This method can have various unintended consequences including your pet ingesting one of these poisoned rats or the kids around the house get in contact with the poisoned trap.
Understand Rodent Behavior With Your Exterminator In Alexandria VA
Talk to your exterminator in Alexandria VA about rat behavior especially if you are planning to lay down traps. Rats are shy by nature and might not come near any traps at first. It is often recommended to leave the bait in an unset trap for the rat to get used to it and as they get bolder and eat bait you can re-bait and set the trap to catch them. Peanut butter is one of the popular and effective bait used to trap rats. Cover the trigger with peanut butter so that when rats try to get it, the trap is set off. Look for rat droppings to identify their routes and the traps should be placed along their usual routes.
