Rats are some of the most problematic animals to encounter in your home. They can cause significant structural damage, create health hazards, and leave homeowners scrambling to learn how to get rid of rats in the home. If you’ve discovered the telltale signs—droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching noises in walls—you may be wondering who to call for rodent control. Understanding the havoc they can wreak and how professionals like Skedaddle can assist is crucial to keeping your home safe and pest-free. For homeowners in Arvada and throughout Colorado, effective wildlife removal is essential to prevent ongoing damage and learn how to keep rats away long-term.

The Structural Damage Rats Leave Behind

One of the most troubling aspects of a rat infestation is the amount of structural damage they can inflict on a home. These small mammals always seem to be chewing, and there’s a biological reason for it. A rat’s teeth never stop growing, so they gnaw constantly to keep their teeth sharp and manageable. Unfortunately, your home becomes their unwitting playground for this behavior.

Rats are notorious for chewing through a variety of materials. Wood is one of their favorite targets—the beams holding your house together are no exception. Rats can gnaw through floorboards, door frames, attic supports, and even furniture. The structural integrity of your home suffers significantly as damage accumulates over time.

Furthermore, electrical wiring is particularly vulnerable. When rats chew through wires, they increase the risk of electrical fires. Exposed wires are not only dangerous for your home’s infrastructure but can also lead to the sudden failure of appliances, lighting, and even entire electrical systems. The cost to repair damaged wiring can escalate quickly, not to mention the safety concerns it raises. 

Even plumbing isn’t safe from these relentless chewers. Rats have been known to gnaw through plastic and even metal pipes, leading to leaks or water damage in unsuspecting corners of the home. A compromised plumbing system can increase your utility bills and pave the way for mold growth, amplifying the damage further.

Health Hazards Brought by Rats to Your Space

Rats are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious health risks to you and your family. Their presence alone can compromise the cleanliness of your home, so it’s critical to address the issue quickly and effectively. This is why understanding how to get rid of rats in a home is so critical—not only for the cosmetic appearance of your space but also for the health and safety of everyone inside.

One significant health hazard stems from their droppings and urine. These leave behind harmful bacteria and allergens that contaminate surfaces and the air. Over time, families exposed to these unsanitary conditions can develop respiratory issues or allergic reactions. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable.

Rats are also capable of carrying a wide range of diseases, some of which can transfer to humans directly or indirectly. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection, is often transmitted through contaminated water or by handling objects tainted with rat urine. Hantavirus is another severe illness linked to rats, typically contracted when individuals are exposed to airborne particles from droppings or nesting materials. Other diseases, such as Salmonella, can spread when rats come into contact with food storage areas.

Lastly, the parasites they bring—fleas, mites, and ticks—compound the problem. Not only can these pests bite and irritate your skin, but they also serve as vectors for additional illnesses. For example, fleas carried by rats were historically responsible for spreading the bubonic plague. While the risk today is much lower, the presence of these pests is an unsettling reminder of the problems an infestation can escalate into.

The Economic Toll of Ignoring an Infestation

The expenses associated with a rat infestation can quickly spiral if the issue isn’t identified and resolved early. From minor repairs to significant overhauls, the financial impact of rat damage becomes one of the most stressful aspects for homeowners, especially in places like Arvada where wildlife activity can persist year-round.

Structural repairs are a common outcome of ignoring the problem. Fixing chewed beams, replacing attic insulation, or patching up gnawed walls often comes with hefty bills. For larger infestations, where damage has spread throughout the home, homeowners might face multiple contractors—carpenters, plumbers, electricians—each working to fix the specific havoc caused by the infestation.

Then there are the hidden costs. Replacing damaged belongings—whether it’s furniture, heirlooms, or seasonally stored items in basements or attics—can quickly add up. Worse, the sentimental value of these items may make them irreplaceable. And let’s not forget increased utility bills resulting from compromised insulation or leaky plumbing systems.

Even more costly are potential healthcare expenses. If you or your family members fall ill due to exposure to rat-related bacteria or parasites, medical care and related time off work will add to the financial burden. Preventing these risks early is much cheaper than paying the price of healthcare costs or escalating home repairs.

Effective Solutions to Keep Rats Away

After seeing the ways an infestation can damage your home and health, prevention becomes the obvious priority. Knowing how to keep rats away requires a twofold strategy—sealing potential entry points and maintaining an environment rats find unattractive.

One key step is identifying and addressing points of entry into your home. Rats only need an opening the size of a quarter to squeeze through. Pay attention to gaps around doors, windows, vents, and utility openings. Sealing these areas with durable materials, not easily gnawed by rats, is crucial to blocking access. For added protection, Skedaddle’s team of experts specializes in finding and fortifying these often-overlooked vulnerable spots.

Keeping your environment clean also goes a long way. Secure trash in tightly sealed containers, and routinely clean pantry shelves. Food should always be stored in secure, airtight containers to reduce smells that attract rats. Decluttering your home—especially basements, garages, and attic spaces—removes hiding spots and nesting materials, discouraging rats from settling in.

For those who consistently see signs of rat activity despite their best efforts, professional services become the most effective option. Wildlife removal in Colorado often requires specialized knowledge of local species and conditions to ensure long-term success.

Skedaddle is Your Go-To Partner for Wildlife Removal in Colorado

When dealing with such a damaging and distressing problem, it’s essential to get help from professionals you can trust. Here at Skedaddle, our comprehensive approach ensures rat problems don’t just go away temporarily but are fully resolved. Armed with decades of experience and humane practices, our team knows wildlife removal inside and out.

What sets us apart isn’t just effective control—it’s prevention. We don’t stop at removing rats from your home. We thoroughly inspect your property to identify vulnerabilities, sealing entry points to stop future infestations before they start.

We take pride in using ethical and humane removal techniques that provide long-lasting peace of mind without compromising your values. Our process puts the well-being of all living beings at its core, ensuring both your home’s safety and the welfare of wildlife.

Protect Your Home Today

Don’t wait until the damage and costs escalate. If you suspect a rat infestation, taking action now can save you money, preserve your home’s condition, and protect your family’s health. Knowing who to call for rodent control makes all the difference, and Skedaddle has the expertise and solutions you can trust.

With our proven methods, we not only address rat infestations but actively work to stop them from reoccurring. Contact Skedaddle today to learn more about our services and how we can help secure your home for good. Your peace of mind is just a call away.