Category Archives: Rat Control

 
Rodents are clever, curious, dextrous, and skilled at causing property damage. They are also playful, charming, dirty, and riddled with diseases, parasites, fleas, and yuck. These fascinating creatures are fun to study, but not when they are on your property. It’s just a matter of time before they move indoors with you! Understanding rodent behavior informs successful rodent prevention practices and helps you to identify signs of a rodent infestation.

Rodent Identification

Why should you care about rodent identification? The pest control services teams at Mosquito Joe® are experts on the many critters they control, and it’s critical for effective rodent control. Did you know that black rats love peanut butter, but brown rats prefer smelly cheese? Knowing your quarry lets you choose the right bait.

Mice

Mice are small rodents with a body length ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 inches and a scaly, furr-less tail measuring 2.75 to 4 inches. They may be brown, gray, or white, have large ears, and weigh up to one ounce.

Rats

Adult rats reach a body length of 9 to 11 inches, with a smooth, bare tail of 7 to 9 inches. They can be white, gray, brown, or black, with small ears, and weigh up to 1.4 pounds.

Another way rodent identification is important when setting traps is that mice are more inquisitive than rats and happy to explore new things in their environment. Rats are more cautious and more likely to outwit traps.

Signs of a Rodent Infestation

Of course, seeing the beady eyes staring at you and the long, naked tail when a rodent scurries away is the clearest sign you have a rodent problem. Hopefully, you’ll notice other signs of a rodent infestation outdoors first:

Droppings

Rodent droppings look like small grains of rice in a black or brown color. You may smell a stale ammonia odor. You’re most likely to spot mice and rat droppings near their burrows or along the pathways they use to find food or water.

Gnaw Marks

Gnaw marks on fence posts, outdoor furniture, plants, extension cords, and trellises are a clear sign of a rodent infestation.

Fun fact: Rats’ teeth grow constantly throughout their lives. They must continue gnawing and chewing constantly to keep the teeth from growing into their brains! They are such accomplished gnawers that rats can chew through glass, soft metals, cinderblock, and improperly cured concrete.

Nests

Different rodents build different types of nests from soft materials like leaves, discarded weeds, shredded fabric, twine, cardboard, twigs, and soil. You may notice droppings around the round opening to the nest.

Rodent Prevention Strategies

Rodents are extraordinarily adept at making a living in proximity to human activity. They come onto our property and then into our homes seeking food, water, and shelter. Effective rodent control measures deny the critters the habitat they crave, so they go elsewhere. It is critical to remove rodents from your outdoor property before they move inside. Once they come indoors, the health risks to your family are far higher, and you’ll battle the fleas they carry as well as the rodents themselves.

Seal It Up: Don’t Let Rodents Find a Way Inside

Scrutinize your fences and walls from top to bottom, sealing any chinks or holes with caulk. Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a pencil, while full-grown rats can use holes the size of a quarter. Repair torn screens and replace bent window frames to help keep them outside.

Food Lockdown: Avoid Feeding Rodents Accidentally

Human garbage, rotting fruit and veggies, spilled birdseed, and scattered pet food offer rodents a smorgasbord. No wonder they won’t leave! Seal your trash cans, empty them frequently, and keep them clean. Store all food in air-tight containers, and promptly wipe up spills. Temporarily suspend feeding the birds, clean up spilled seed, and store feed securely. Never feed pets outdoors.

Going Dry: Don’t Provide Water For Rodents

Repair all leaky faucets and sprinklers. Get rid of all potential sources of standing water, and clean out the gutters and downspouts to remove any handy watering holes.

Yard Cleanup: Take Away Rodent Shelter

Harvest fruits and veggies promptly, discarding any that fall or rot. Mow your grass short, trim back shrubs, vines, and trees, keeping all foliage away from the house — mice and rats use limbs and vines to reach your roof. Use large, chunky mulch rather than finely shredded materials rodents love for their bedding. Clean up clutter that provides shelter or hiding places.

Dealing With A Rodent Infestation

Our tips above are more effective at rodent prevention than removal. Once you see the signs of a rodent infestation on your property, you’ll need to take more direct action to keep them from moving indoors.

DIY Tactics

There are several ways you can combat a rodent infestation yourself. Snap traps designed with a spring-loaded bar to catch rodents are highly effective. They also require frequent handling to remove the dead rodent (ewww) and reset. Use gloves and tongs. Remember that the rodent’s body and fluids contain many diseases, parasites, and fleas.

Essential oils, such as peppermint, lemon, citronella, or eucalyptus, can make an effective rodent repellent. Add two teaspoons of the oil to a cup of water, shake well, and spray where you see signs of rodent activity.

When to Call a Pro To Combat Rodents

If your signs of rodent infestation have become billboards, or your DIY rodent prevention is just not enough, call in rodent control professionals. If a family member’s health is compromised, getting rid of the rodents quickly and efficiently is critical.

What Exterminators Do Get Rid of Rodents

Professional rodent exterminators use various methods to rid your property of rodents. At Mosquito Joe, our service professionals use bait to lure rodents to humane traps so we can remove them from your property. We do not enter your home, and we use no toxic chemicals or poisons that could harm other wildlife or leave dead or dying rodents on your property. Finally, we treat your property with rodent repellent at strategic points to prevent local populations from moving back in.

Know the Risks and Exercise Caution When Dealing With Rodents

Make no mistake — signs of a rodent infestation are a serious health hazard.

Disease Risks

Hantavirus causes a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory disease. The most common way humans contract this virus is by breathing in dust contaminated with a rodent’s saliva, urine, feces, or nesting materials (sorry, but this is important). The virus can be transmitted through contact or through the air. Activities like sweeping or vacuuming up rodent bedding can aerosolize particles from their disturbed waste, making cleanup of rodent infestations hazardous. Even dead rodents are dangerous because of the diseases they carry.

Secure Trapping

Place the traps in the runways the rodents use and bait them with peanut butter. Then, hope that innocent wildlife or pets don’t find the traps first with tragic results. But hoping is not enough. It is best to place the snap trap inside a closed box with a small opening for the rodent to access. Keep children and pets well away from the traps. Wear gloves and use tongs when handling dead rodents. Place them in a plastic bag and tie it tightly. Discard in the trash and wash your hands well!

Repellent Caution

We understand how attractive some DIY solutions are. But when it comes to pest control, DIY can be a terrible idea. If the repellant doesn’t work, relying on it lets the infestation grow. Remember that some essential oils and other ingredients can be harmful to pets and wildlife.

If you see signs of a rodent infestation on your property, call the experts at Mosquito Joe to get rid of the critters. You can count on being pleased with our services because the Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and the Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee back everything we do. Request a free quote today!

Rats are clever, curious rodents who thrive on the outskirts of our homes and businesses. They make a better living off our scraps and trash than they can in truly wild lands. These canny critters are extraordinarily adept at survival, making getting rid of them challenging. Rather than using powerful poisons or cruel traps that can harm other forms of wildlife, the most effective way to get rid of rats in the yard is to stop giving them what they need. When you roll up the welcome mat, rats move on, looking for a cushy home elsewhere.

Signs You Have a Rat Problem in Your Yard

The most obvious sign you have rats is when you see one scuttling across your path or spot that long, naked tail whisking away through the foliage. (Ugh!) But there are other signs you may spot that indicate you have rats in the yard:

• Rat Droppings: Rat droppings look like small, dark, rice-like pellets, pointy at one end and rounded at the other. You’ll find droppings near food or the rats’ runways.
• Gnaw Marks: Rats’ teeth never stop growing, so they must gnaw constantly to keep them worn down. Gnaw marks on wooden fence posts, plant stakes, bags of soil, or organic plant food are common signs.
• Damage to Plants and Vegetables: Like many pests, rats feast on our plants, especially fruits and vegetables. Half-eaten veggies or plants indicate someone is busy in the yard.
• Burrows: Rats form burrows near walls or fences. A burrow has an opening about 2 to 4 inches wide, and all debris is cleared away from the hole.
• Funky Smell: A weird smell, like stale ammonia, can indicate a rodent problem.
• Footprints: Soft soils and mud may show tiny, thin footprints as rats go about their business. Rat tracks show four toes on the front feet and five on the back.

If you note any of these signs, it’s time to learn how to get rid of rats in the yard.

Why It’s Important to Get Rid of Rats in Your Yard

Some homeowners want an oasis free from anyone but family, while others are not just tolerant of wildlife — they cultivate it. The world is big enough for both views, but even wildlife lovers should not welcome rats as neighbors. Not only are the rodents utterly filthy, scattering their urine and feces everywhere they go (sorry!), but they also carry a wide range of diseases, bacteria, parasites, and germs that can make people and pets sick. Further, unlike most wildlife, rats are delighted to move right into your outbuildings or even your home, where they promptly cause significant property damage. Feed the birds and watch the deer if you like, but getting rid of rats in the yard is critical.

Understanding Why Rats Invade Your Yard

Rats are highly practical and come to your yard looking for just three things: food, water, and shelter. These essentials are typically easier to come by in our yards than “in the wild.”
While rats can climb trees in search of nests full of eggs or baby birds, rooting around in our garbage is far easier and more rewarding. Spilled birdseed and leftover pet food are also welcome meals. Leaky faucets, full catch trays, and water caught in tire swings or debris offer the water they need. Cultivated soil, long grass, and overgrown shrubs and flower beds provide plenty of shelter. Eliminating these attractants is the key to getting rid of rats in the yard.

How to Make Your Yard Unattractive to Rats

Leaky faucets and spilled birdseed act like the equivalent of a neon motel “vacancy” sign on the highway. The best way to get rid of rats in the yard starts with eliminating the amenities they come for. Take these steps for effective rodent control:

• Eliminate food sources in the yard.
  • Temporarily remove bird feeders.
  • Clean up all spilled birdseed, and tightly secure any stored seed.
  • Tightly seal all garbage cans and keep them clean.
  • Keep the composter tightly closed.
  • Harvest fruits, vegetables, and nuts promptly.
  • Don’t leave pet food outdoors.
• Eliminate leaks and standing water.
  • Fix leaky faucets and irrigation.
  • Empty plants’ catch trays and bird baths until the problem is resolved.
  • Eliminate clutter that can hold water after a rainfall.
  • Unclog and clean gutters and downspouts.
• Eliminate hiding and highways.
  • Mow the grass regularly.
  • Trim all shrubs, vines, and trees, keeping growth away from the walls and roofline.
  • Chop up fallen leaves, and do not mulch more than 3 inches deep.
  • Choose large bark chip mulch rather than finely shredded materials.

How to Trap Rats in Your Yard

We know you’d rather clean up the yard ten times than trap a single rat. The tips listed above will eventually succeed in getting rid of rats in your yard, but if you’ve got a bad infestation, you may be reluctant to wait.

When ridding your yard of rats is urgent, snap traps are highly effective. Set the trap along the rats’ runways and bait it with peanut butter. A nonlethal trap that catches multiple animals without hurting them is a tall, smooth-sided bucket with peanut butter and crackers in the bottom. Provide a ramp for the rodents to climb and use a purpose-built lid that drops the hungry rodent into the bucket. The smooth sides prevent the rats (mice or squirrels) from climbing back out. Then, drive at least a mile away to release the animals away from housing.

Considering Professional Rodent Extermination

If your rat problem is bigger than you can manage, consider rat exterminators. Mosquito Joe® offers effective methods for getting rid of rats in your yard, so you don’t have to face the problem alone. We’re mindful of the potential impact on the environment and other wildlife, so we avoid potent poisons and killing traps. Instead, we use humane lures to trap every rodent on your premises. We remove them from your property and leave a repellent in strategic locations to prevent local populations from moving in.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Mosquito Joe!

When knowing how to get rid of rats in the yard isn’t enough to get ahead of the problem, call on the pros at Mosquito Joe. We’ll make sure they scuttle away and leave your property in peace. Not sure what kind of pest you have in your yard? Our Mosquito Joe pros can tell the difference between rats or other rodents. The Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee back all of our pest control services, ensuring your satisfaction.

If you’ve got something better to do than learn how to get rid of large rats outside, we’re ready to help! Request a free quote today.