Here is a video of roof rats that were found in Virginia Beach recently. Roof rats have become a huge problem throughout the Hampton Roads area. You will notice their unbelievable ability to climb and maneuver. It’s this ability that allows them to enter your home in areas that seem unreachable. Take a look and give us a call (757-499-1078) if you think you might have a roof rat problem. Our initial inspections are always free.
Posts Tagged ‘Roof Rats in Chesapeake VA’
Roof Rat Control in Hampton Roads
Friday, December 9th, 2011Roof Rats in Hampton Roads.
Wednesday, December 8th, 20102010 might be remembered as the year of the roof rat in Hampton Roads. This year there has been a very noticeable increase in roof rat activity. Usually these pests will invade homes that are in close proximity to a natural water source: lakes, rivers, ditches, etc. However over the last 12 months, HomePro has received many calls in areas that are quite removed from these natural habitats. How do you know if you have a roof rat problem?
The difference between Rat and Mouse droppings
1. Droppings in the crawl space or attic are a definite indication of a rat problem. You have probably heard the saying “Where there is smoke (poop), there is fire (rats). OK maybe not, but its true.
2. Scratching or rustling sounds at night. Roof rats are mostly nocturnal (awake at night) so you will hear noises at different points of the night. If you hear these noises during the day, you may have a squirrel or mouse problem. However, some heavily infested homes have shown roof rat activity during the day.
3. Smells. Roof rats don’t care where they relieve themselves. Overtime an area that is frequented by rats will begin to smell like a hamster cage or pet store. It’s a smell most people will recognize.
4. Gnawing or Chewing marks. Roof rats are nervous nibblers. They constantly chew to wear down their incisor teeth. They will chew on wires, hard plastics, wooden furniture, wall studs, or any other hard surface. They can remove the covering on electrical wires which is the cause of many home fires.
Roof rats are a difficult pest to resolve. The best first step in control, is to seal all entry points around the home and in the crawl space and attic. Otherwise you are battling a never ending pest, because as soon as you remove one the next takes it’s place. Over the counter rodenticides (rodent poison) usually require multiple feedings to work. If a rat eats this type of bait, it will probably make them feel sick before it kills them. They will then avoid the bait, effectively making it useless. For this reason, we don’t recommend hardware store poisons. If you plan to tackle this pest without professional assistance, you should seal the holes and buy good quality, large rat traps.
If you would like professional assistance, HomePro Pest Control offers a full service rat program. We will seal entry holes, set traps, and introduce the population to professional strength rodent baits. We will then clean the traps and refill bait stations as necessary. It’s no mess or work for you. Give us a call at 757-499-1078 to get a free estimate.
Roof rats in Chesapeake Roof rats in Norfolk Roof rats in Virginia Beach
Rats in my….car?
Thursday, March 25th, 2010That’s right, more and more we are seeing rats not only invading homes but finding their way into our vehicles. It’s really not surprising, our vehicles have an unlimited number of openings from underneath that easily allow access for small animals. Our homes and vehicles offer many things that they are constantly in search of: food, nesting material, and warm shelter.
Why does it matter? Rats chew constantly and can damage electrical wiring in the home and vehicle. This chewing can start fires or simply stop an item from operating. They carry many types of diseases that are transfered through their droppings. And could you imagine driving to work and seeing a rat in the car? Here’s an AP story linking rats to a car fire.
So what can you do? The best advice would be to hire a pest control professional to create a program that will lower the rat population around your home. Programs should include baiting and trapping, as well as exclusion service. An exclusion service will seal openings on your home to prevent entry. Once you have made your home rodent resistant, poison baits can be placed around the exterior to remove the remaining population. If you are able to park your vehicle inside your garage that would be best, but outside is fine with the proper bait stations in place.
Let us know if you would like a free evaluation. 757-499-1078 or click below for more info about HomePro Pest Control.