The most common types of Rats in the Coachella valley are Roof Rats and Norway Rats. Rats are nocturnal so most people don't see them during the daytime. They are commensal rodents (living in close association with humans). They have poor eyesight so they rely on their hearing, smell, taste and touch. When dealing with rodents it's important to identify the type of rodent you're dealing with to properly choose an effective control method. Signs of rodents are gnaw marks on food and objects, rub marks or grease stains along surfaces and droppings. Rats live and thrive in most climates and are often seen in or around structures, gardens, farms and commercial buildings.
Have you noticed Rats in your home or business? Call our Coachella Valley Rodent control experts at Desert Pest Specialists for a FREE estimate.
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Rat Control in the Coachella Valley
How to Identify Rats
It is possible to identify the type of rat infestation in your home or business by paying close attention to the features of the rodents. Below are explanations of two of the most common rat types found in the Coachella Valley:
Roof Rats’ heads and bodies are 6 to 8 inches long with scaly, dark tails adding 7 to 10 inches in length. They are about 5 to 9 ounces. Their fur is soft, smooth, and brown with black hairs. They have pointed muzzles with large eyes and ears. Their droppings are about a ½ inch long and spindle-shaped with pointed ends. Roof rats prefer to nest in trees and occasionally, in burrows and vegetation. In structures, they prefer to nest in the upper levels of the structure.
Norway Rats are larger than Roof Rats. Their bodies are 7 to 10 inches long and the tail is an additional 6 to 8 inches. They have a stocky body and weigh about 7 to 18 ounces. Their fur is coarse, shaggy and brown with some black hairs. Their muzzle is blunt and their eyes and ears are small. The tail has 2 colors and is shorter than the head and body combined. Droppings are ¾ inch with blunt ends. Norway rats prefer to nest in burrows in the soil, under concrete pads and sidewalks, river/stream banks, railroad track beds and nest to buildings in low ground cover.
How to Eliminate Rats
The most crucial steps to a successful rat control program include identification, sanitation, elimination of the harborage and rodent proofing. To begin, you should identify signs of activity, such as urine stains, droppings and oily rub marks leading into structures or on hard surfaces.. Entry points greater than 1/2 inch must be sealed up. Food and water for pets should not be left out, inside or outside of your home. Dog/Cat food should be stored up high in plastic containers and water bowls should not be left outside or in the garage. Inside your home, glue boards and mechanical snap traps are very effective.
Desert Pest Specialists does not recommend using poison for indoor use since these rodents will often retreat and die in inaccessible places, such as attics, wall voids, behind cabinets or places, where pets or children can tamper with them.
Do Rats Transmit Diseases?
The most Common health risks associated with rats are leptospirosis and salmonella contamination. Leptospirosis is acquired by ingesting food or water that is contaminated with infected rat urine, droppings or saliva. You shouldn't worry about Plague, because it has not occurred in rats in the United States in many decades.
Call the Desert Pest Specialists for Rat Control in the Coachella Valley
Did you know in the US alone, rodents cause 20 Billion dollars worth of damage to homes, businesses and agriculture each year? Don’t let Rats nest in or around your home, they could be damaging and contaminating your home or business. Trust Desert Pest Specialists to handle all of your Rodent Control needs. Our Team is ready to help. Talk to a licensed representative and make a game plan to get rid of your rodent issue as soon as possible.
Call our Coachella Valley rat pest control specialists today and we will start by providing you with a FREE inspection and estimate! At Desert Pest Specialists, YOU are our priority.
