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How to Get Rid of Rats in Mississippi Gulf Coast
In Mississippi, rats go beyond being a mere annoyance, as they pose significant health hazards and can inflict substantial damage on properties. Their waste products can spread dangerous diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella. These pests not only contaminate food but also wreak havoc on homes and businesses. Given their ability to thrive in the local climate, it’s vital to understand how to eliminate them for a safer, healthier environment.
Tips To Keep Rats Away
Once you notice signs of rat activity, swift action is crucial. But what are the best ways to handle a rat infestation on your Mississippi property? Here are some effective strategies:
- Keep a Clean Home: Maintain cleanliness by regularly vacuuming, sweeping, and wiping surfaces. Declutter basements, attics, and garages to reduce potential rat hiding spots.
- Fix Leaks and Reduce Moisture: As rats need water for survival, make sure to fix any leaking pipes or faucets and clear away any standing water in your home.
- Properly Store Garbage: Ensure all trash is kept in sealed bins inside and outside, and promptly take out waste to prevent attracting rodents.
- Use Traps and Bait: Strategically positioning traps or bait stations in active rat areas can produce great results. Ensure these traps are safely located out of reach of children and pets.
- Maintain Your Yard: Cut back trees and shrubs near your home, and ensure that piles of leaves, wood, or debris are removed to eliminate potential shelter for rats.
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Why You May Have Rat Infestations
During colder months, rats are driven indoors in search of food, water, and shelter. Homes become prime targets due to several factors, including:
- Gaps and Entry Points: Cracks in walls, poorly sealed doors, and unprotected vents offer easy access to the inside of a home.
- Sources of Water: Rats need water to survive, so leaky pipes, pet water bowls, or even standing water in basements can entice them.
- Clutter and Hiding Spots: Piles of clutter, cardboard boxes, and unused items provide ideal places for rats to hide, nest, and breed.
- Accessible Food: Unsecured garbage, pet food, crumbs, and pantry items can attract rats. They’re opportunistic feeders and will exploit any available food.
How to Get Rid of Burrowing Rats
The problem with burrowing rats lies in their underground tunnel systems used for nesting and breeding. To handle these pests effectively:
- Identify Entry Points: Check for rat burrows around the foundation of your building, in garden areas, or near garbage storage. These burrows often look like small holes with smooth, worn edges from frequent use.
- Set Traps: Set snap traps or live traps near entry areas, baited with peanut butter or cheese to attract rodents.
- Use Rodenticides: When dealing with heavy infestations, using rodenticides may be unavoidable. Apply them cautiously at burrow entrances, following proper safety protocols to protect surrounding wildlife and the environment.
- Seek Professional Help: For infestations that continue or grow more severe, it’s wise to enlist the help of professional pest control for a thorough solution to the problem.
Get Rid of Rats With Professional Extermination
Managing a rat infestation on your own can be challenging and dangerous. DIY solutions may provide temporary relief, but they often prove ineffective against burrowing rats or more significant infestations.
Southern Pest Control brings over 45 years of experience, with certified specialists who use state-of-the-art techniques for rat control. Our all-inclusive approach encompasses everything from thorough inspections to customized extermination plans and follow-up services to ensure the problem is completely addressed.
Get in touch with Southern Pest Control for a complimentary, no-obligation quote on our pest control services!
