Pest control companies Long Beach get to deal with all manner of pest infestations. One of the most disturbing infestations is that of rats. These are large sized creatures that can be very intimidating. If you are up against rats, the first thing you need to do is to make sure that you really have a rat problem.
There are several signs that will let you know that you have a rat problem. They include chewed up bits of food, paper, black substances the size of larger seeds or wet areas with a nauseating scent. Once the infestation is extreme, you will be able to see these rodents running across the room as they search for food or as they move from one breeding ground to another. This can be very annoying and embarrassing if you have visitors. Once you learn of the health risks these creatures pose, the need to hire pest control companies Long Beach will become even more urgent.
Learning how to prevent an infestation is the best approach to pest problems. Here are some of the things you need to do.
Keep your house clean
Rats and other rodents are attracted to food remnants. This means that if you don’t take the time to tidy up after eating or after a spill, you will continue to deal with the rat problem. When cleaning the house, pay attention to the basement, garage, and the attic. You must also clear all the rubbish piles. If you have clothes or mattresses that you don’t use, it is wise to get rid of them; they make a great breeding spot for the rats. Don’t ignore the gutters and the downspouts too. Keeping the house clean is the first step in pest control Long Beach when dealing with rats and mice.
Seal the entryways
Rats will get into your house from outside. They can squeeze themselves through tiny spaces. The first piece of advice pest control companies Long Beach will give you is to seal the entry ways. Make sure that you seal the gaps in the walls, in the doorways as well as windows. The drainage ways must also be protected. Cap open sewer lines, gas lines and water lines. Fix the broken door and window screens. The screens must also be kept closed at all times.
Use traps
There are so many traps you can use to trap rats and mice. The best traps are the snap traps. These traps will not only arrest these rodents but also kill them before they enter your house. However, when purchasing traps, you have to think of the other pets in your house.
Use poison
In pest control Long Beach, poison has been known to work effectively. Purchase products that are known to work. Seek advice from family and friends who have used the poisons.
Other things you should do include:
- Keeping the rubbish in plastic containers that are sealed tightly
- Keeping the window screens in good condition and closed
When push comes to shove, you should hire pest control companies Long Beach. They have the experience, the knowledge and the equipment to get rid of the rats problem for you.
