They're out there – small and furry mammals that will do anything to infringe upon your comfortable living environment. They squeeze their bodies into tiny holes and gaps in your structure that you never knew existed. Before you know it, your home has been involuntarily converted into a popular rat motel.
What a relief to know that Southeast Termite & Pest Control delivers exceptional rat control in Knoxville to get these critters out of your home to restore the safe and harmonious environment you deserve. Continue reading to learn more about these rodents and how our team can quickly evict them without notice.
What Types Of Rats Live Around Knoxville?
Knoxville is home to the two primary rat species in the United States: the roof rat and the Norway rat.
Also referred to as black rats, roof rats are excellent climbers that prefer elevated areas, like rooftops, attics, and trees. They have slender bodies with large ears and a long, hairless tail. They prefer consuming grains, fruits, and nuts.
Norway rats are known as brown rats and possess a more robust build, smaller ears, and a shorter tail than their roof rat counterparts. Another difference is that Norway rats prefer inhabiting lower-level areas, like crawl spaces and basements. As omnivores, these rats have a more varied diet that includes meats, grains, and even refuse.
The one main trait these rodents share is how challenging it can be to completely eradicate them, which is why you should utilize professional rat control services for optimal results.
All The Problems Rats Can Cause For People And Pets
When rats sneak inside your home, they not only threaten the health of human occupants, but also that of your beloved pets. These fuzzy encroachers are carriers of various pathogens, such as hantavirus, leptospira, and salmonella, all of which can be transmitted to your family members, including the four-legged ones, through rat saliva, urine, and excrement. The health consequences of these infections can be severe and could require medical attention.
In addition to the risk of disease transmission, rats can jeopardize the safety of your entire household by gnawing on structural elements, insulation, and electrical wiring, which can spark a fire. This destructive behavior can result in expensive maintenance and repairs. Also, due to their rapid reproduction rate, rats can become aggressive if overcrowding occurs, which could result in injuries.
Don't hesitate to contact our team at Southeast Termite & Pest Control to resolve your rat problem quickly.
Everything Knoxville Residents Can Do To Prevent Rat Activity
We all know that rats don't rank highly on the list of delightful situations, so it's prudent to practice effective rat prevention methods to keep them away from your residence. Check out these simple solutions to avoid encountering these furry trespassers anytime soon:
Stack your logs, lumber, or firewood away from your home's exterior.
Utilize rodent-resistant landscaping materials around your home, such as gravel rather than mulch.
Prune overgrown vegetation, shrubs, and bushes in your yard.
Maintain proper drainage that flows away from your house and immediately address any water leakage issues.
Block off holes, cracks, or gaps in your windows, walls, and doors.
For more helpful tips and tricks to keep rats at bay, consult with qualified pest specialists in your area.
Why Rats Around Your Home Are Best Dealt With Professionally
If you think it’s easier and more convenient to try and resolve a rat infestation on your own, you may want to reconsider. These pests can pose a danger by destroying property and spreading disease. Due to these risks, it's imperative to seek the services of pest management professionals for fast and effective home pest control in Knoxville.
Since 1971, Southeast Termite & Pest Control has provided high-quality services to restore health and safety in our residents' homes and office spaces. No matter how difficult the situation may be, our experienced team steps up to the challenge and comes out victorious every time. Reach out to us today to receive your free estimate.