Norway rats have fur that appears in shades of brown or gray, measure more than 12 inches, including their tail, and weigh approximately one pound. The Norway rat has primarily ousted the roof rat (Rattus rattus) or black rat, which was its primary competing species years ago. Rats in this region tend to live close to humans, mainly when food, water, and shelter are available. Although rats are largely nocturnal creatures, they are increasingly seen during the daytime in times when food is scarce. The majority of Norway rats reside in nests that are underground burrows, commonly along the walls of structural foundations.
How Dangerous Are Rats?
Rats carry various diseases, including leptospirosis, tularemia, and salmonellosis. They are routinely exposed to parasites, and their urine and feces are a contaminant. The New York City Health Department is regularly involved in new strategies to reduce the population and educate the public on best practices for discouraging them. Rats also will create property damage by eroding foundations through digging and chewing through various building materials. It is possible for rats to chew through electrical wiring and start fires.
Tips For Preventing Access Indoors
Home and business owners must be proactive to avoid making the premises attractive to rats and also take measures that will prevent indoor access as follows:
- Promptly place leftovers in the refrigerator or durable sealed containers and avoid leaving dirty dishes or uneaten pet food out overnight.
- Keep the kitchen area clean by sweeping up crumbs, promptly removing spills, and ensuring trash receptacles with food scraps have tightly fitting lids.
- Annually inspect the property’s exterior for any cracks or other openings that have developed near the foundation and fill them with a weather-resistant caulk or sealant.
- Exterior trash containers must be free of holes and have sturdy lids.
The Reason For Contacting A Professional Rodent Control Company
We encourage local home and business owners to resist the temptation to try do-it-yourself treatment options when faced with a rodent-related problem. Not only are many of these options ineffective, but they potentially allow additional time for these pests to reproduce and further fortify their nesting locations in covert locations with the structure. Also, these products might contain harsh chemical formulas that have unexpected interactions with other cleaning agents used or building materials that exist.
The technicians with BHB Pest Elimination conduct detailed property inspections to determine the possible points of entry for rodents and create solutions to prevent further access. We also make assessments regarding the scope of the areas that may have been contaminated and identify any other existing property conditions that make the premises vulnerable to intrusions from other types of pests.
Our seasoned experts customize our treatment options based on the circumstances and will deploy multiple methods as needed to eliminate rodents completely. We might strategically place traps in locations where we have determined that these creatures are passing through, which might be used in conjunction with bait stations that have proven to be both safe and effective. We have also added the BurrowRx system to our arsenal of rodent control options, which uses a machine that roots out rodents that have burrowed deeply into hard-to-reach places.
Licensed Provider Of Pest Control Solutions
Since 1969, the team of professionals with BHB Pest Elimination has provided efficient, thorough, and safe treatment for customers residing in and conducting business in the New York City region experiencing problems with ants, bed bugs, and termites, as well as many other unwanted pests.
Our management team is committed to education and exploring new technology that enhances our performance and ensures the safety of our customers and the local environment. Many of the products and application methods that we now use have been recommended by the New York Pest Management Association (NYPMA) and other industry-leading advocates for eco-friendly operations. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
