While the idea of many rats living in a nest may make your skin crawl, if you are dealing with an infestation, it is good to know what you are up against. Like many urban areas, the Vancouver metro area is prone to problems with rats. While Coquitlam is a little less densely populated than some other local communities, it is not free of these issues. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers rat control services to help you deal with infestations quickly and effectively.

Rat Nests and What They look Like

Like many animals, rats make nests where they sleep, collect supplies and raise their young. Many people are surprised by how clever rats can be. Despite their small size, they are excellent problem solvers and very good at using the resources available to them.

It is probably no surprise that the size of rats’ nests can vary somewhat. Typically, a single nest will have five to 10 rats living in it, although this may be lower for a very recently established nest or a little higher after a litter is born. Furthermore, rats sometimes establish multiple nests close together forming a colony. A colony can have around a hundred rats living in it if there is sufficient food.

Rats’ nests look very similar to those of birds or any other small animal. They make them by chewing materials into small pieces then piling and weaving them into a warm, comfortable shelter. Rats are quite resourceful and will use whatever they can find. This can include fabric, paper, wood, Styrofoam, insulation and other home materials.

One of the telltale signs of rat infestations is their droppings, which they leave almost everywhere. You may also see chewed materials, especially near food pantries and cabinets. Furthermore, you may see grease marks near cracks in your walls.

Risks of Having Rats in Your Home

For a lot of people, rats can make great pets because they are smart and social. However, wild rats don’t make great houseguests, even if you like the animals (which, of course, many people don’t at all!).

Rats can carry a variety of diseases. They can be home to parasites of various types and their droppings can be quite harmful. Plus, while rats are usually very cautious around people and pets, they can bite or scratch if they are backed into a corner or feel that their young are in danger. With potentially 100 rats living in a colony, you don’t want to try to deal with them yourself.

Dealing With Rat Nests

If you think you may have a rat infestation, call for professional help. Dealing with even a single nest can be surprisingly challenging and untrained people should avoid trying to handle rats or other wildlife. Fortunately, the Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control team can help. We offer effective rat control services in Coquitlam and the surrounding area.

We will come and evaluate the situation, identifying how rats are getting in and what is attracting them. Next, we will remove the rats and clean up their nests, helping to neutralize the health risk. Finally, we will protect your home against future infestations. This methodology is not only more humane for the rats, but it is also more effective at achieving long-term results.

Get Professional Wildlife Removal in Coquitlam

When you are concerned about wildlife removal in Coquitlam, call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. We offer fast and effective solutions for all your wildlife issues. Our team has experience will all common forms of wildlife in the area. Plus, we work with both homeowners and businesses. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment and initial consultation.