The spring and winter seasons bring rainfall to Southern California, but they can also bring about a rodent infestation in your home.
Rats like a dry, warm place to construct a nest. In the months of little rain, rats build nests on top of the ground in locations where they are less likely to be disturbed. Roof rats can build their nests on top of the ground and in trees.
If it rains, Norway rodents and roof rats seek refuge within your house that is warm and dry and offers them water and food.
Rats that are fully grown can enter your home via an opening that is the size of a quarter. Mice can pass through a hole that is the size of one dime. Rats are also exceptionally skilled at survival, with the capability to walk on water for days and be capable of surviving being flushed into a toilet or falling fifty feet.
Rat colonies can reproduce rapidly after they have become established. Rats can go through a gestation period of 21 - 24 days, and rats reach breeding age within 8 to 12 weeks. Rats require a warm, dry area to build their nests and plenty of high-protein water and food to live. The rat are away from your home due to mouse repellent (anti souris).
Rats also chew through wiring in cars and homes. The National Fire Protection Agency estimates that 20 to 25 per cent of home fires in the United States are caused by rodents chewing up wires for no reason.
SIGNS OF RAT INFESTATION
If you notice grease-like "rub marks" on walls or baseboards, it could suggest that rats live in your home. Rats are blind and often travel across walls. The sight of rat droppings or gnaw marks indicates rats are residing in your house. The sound of scurrying in the night is another indication because rats are nocturnal creatures and can hide from sight.
You can take action to stop rats from establishing a home inside your house in the winter months.
Cover any gaps outside within your home's exterior. Keep in mind that rats can pass through a quarter-sized opening. Fill in gaps on windows and walls with caulk. You can also put wire mesh in small entranceways underneath your home.
Eliminating the food source of rats can also deter them from forming colonies. Get rid of garbage and clutter and keep garbage bins sealed, collect any fruit that has fallen from trees, clear compost piles and clean up all green trash. Do not put food bowls on the floor when you own pets; keep pet food in tightly sealed storage containers. Rats also consume bird seeds, paper, cardboard, and other materials to keep them alive. So, make sure you clean all food sources on your property.
Rats also build nests in areas that are not visible, including wood piles, amid shrubs and plants, or even in rubbish or litter piles. Remove any potential nesting spots and practice good housekeeping practices to eliminate the places where rats could discover a place to build a nest.
In your home, clean your kitchen and keep cereal, grain and other snacks in airtight containers. If mice and rats do not have food sources, They are much less likely to build nests.
If you adhere to the steps listed above, there is still a chance for rats to enter during the rainy season and gain entry to enter your home. If you observe these signs of rats infesting your home, it might be time to contact a specialist or can use a rat swatter (tapette à rat).
WHEN TO CALL A RAT CONTROL EXPERT
If you observe any rodent infestation, we can help eliminate rodents from your home.
