Many people believe a homeowner must know when their house has a rat infestation. While there are many signs of potential infestations, they can occur right under someone’s nose, according to experts in rat removal in Oakville.

Rats and other rodents are sneaky and can often go undetected for months or longer, which is plenty of time to establish a colony. You will want to deal with rodent problems immediately if you see a rat. Whether the animal is inside or out, it represents a potential problem you shouldn’t ignore. Rat removal professionals explain there are at least four reasons a homeowner should never ignore potential infestations.

1. Infestations Grow Quickly

Rats reproduce quickly, meaning a minor problem can develop into a significant issue within one year. For example, a female rat can have about six litters of up to 12 pups per year. Those pups reach sexual maturity within five weeks. With rats giving birth every couple of months, a population of two rats can swell to over 1,000 in a year.

You also need to keep in mind that a house will rarely have an issue with only one or two rats. Therefore, if you see a rat, assume the worst and contact a humane wildlife control professional.

2. Rats Can Spread Dangerous Diseases

Finding a rat infestation solution quickly is important, but you must use common sense. Too many people choose DIY methods, which usually include poison and traps. Besides both methods being cruel and unnecessary, they will not resolve the problem. Also, each method is dangerous for the homeowner.

Rats can carry several diseases that are transmissible to humans and pets. The diseases can spread through direct contact with the animal, its feces, or urine. Also, rats can contaminate food if it is not well-protected.

The best way to protect your family and yourself is to call a professional and humane wildlife control service. Remember, rats are not intentionally causing problems; the animals are only trying to survive like every other living thing.

3. Rats Can Cause Significant Property Damage

Rats are not good house guests. They must continually chew to file down and sharpen their teeth. A rat’s teeth never stop growing, so if the rodent didn’t chew things, its teeth would eventually become too large and interfere with the animal’s ability to eat. The teeth could even grow through the animal’s skull, leading to infection and death.

Because rats constantly chew and do so with no discretion, they make a mess. The animal will gnaw on structural beams, cables, PVC plumbing, etc. With enough rats chewing on your house, it will become unsafe and possibly structurally unsound.

4. Rats Can Cause House Fires

Rats do not discern between items that are okay to chew and those that aren’t. Even if something will injure or kill the animal, it may still chew it. Electrical wires are common chew toys for rodents.

Unfortunately for the animal, chewing on electrical wires can be deadly. Unfortunately for the homeowner, damaged electrical components can lead to house fires.

You need to act if you see a rat on your property or inside your home. Do not risk your safety by trying ineffective and cruel DIY removal methods. It is best to stay away from rats and all wildlife, but you still need to get them out of your home and off your property.

If you’re trying to figure out the best options for how to get rid of rats, it is simple. Call Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and schedule a property assessment. The company will send a team of qualified technicians to inspect your home and property and suggest possible solutions to your rodent problem.