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Rats may be small, but they can cause a lot of trouble. They are quick and nimble rodents that can squeeze through tight spaces. Rats can cause costly damage to your property and pose a health risk for you and your family. If you suspect or detect a rat problem, it’s best to call a professional rat exterminator for effective rat control.
At Ehrlich, we take rat control seriously. We offer comprehensive rat extermination services that will keep you and your home protected. Our technicians are trained experts in rat removal and treatments. With Ehrlich, you can trust that your rat problem will be handled effectively and efficiently.
If you’re interested in rat pest control services, contact us today to set up a free inspection.
Discover how rodent exclusion can help eliminate rodents.
Signs of a rat infestation
Noticing the early signs of a rat infestation can save you from expensive repairs and potential health issues.
Rats can cause extensive damage to your home if they are left untreated, which is why it’s important to hire a rat exterminator if you suspect rats. These pests can chew through wooden structures or insulation, leading to costly repairs. Rats can chew through electrical wires, which can cause electrical problems and create a serious fire hazard. They can contaminate stored food with urine, feces, and/or saliva.
If you suspect rats in or around your home, here are a few signs of rats in your home that you can look out for:
- Rat sightings: Whether it’s dead or alive, spotting a rat usually means there are likely more around.
- Droppings: Rat droppings can typically be found near their food sources or along their travel paths. They are small, dark brown, and pellet-shaped.
- Footprints: Rat footprints, pictured below, may be spotted in dusty or dirty areas of your home. You can typically spot distinct, dime-sized footprints in dusty areas of your home.
- Rub marks: Since rats have poor eyesight, they often rely on muscle memory or rub against walls or other surfaces to create a scent trail to follow. They often leave behind rub marks or grease.
- Nests: Rats build nests near their food source and are typically in hidden areas such as your attic, basement, under eaves, or crawl spaces.
- Gnaw marks: Rats have a constant need to chew and may leave gnaw marks on wires, wood, plastic, or food packaging.
Rats can breed very quickly, so it is important to call a professional rat exterminator at the first sign. At Ehrlich, our technicians use the latest tools and techniques to help you get rid of rats from your home or business. Our rat control experts will work with you to create a customized plan that meets your specific needs.
Professional rat control solutions
At Ehrlich, we have an extensive process for rat control. When dealing with rats on your property, we follow applicable laws and regulations and incorporate integrated pest management solutions (IPM) in our rat removal and treatment services. IPM is an environmentally conscious approach to pest control, using fewer chemicals and only treating areas that target rodents specifically.
Property inspection
Your technician will inspect the interior and exterior of your home or building and look for any signs of rodent activity or openings through which rats may be entering.
Interior and exterior solutions
Rat control inside may include using fluorescent tracking gel to help track rodent activity patterns with a UV light. It may also involve using snap traps, glue boards, and/or bait stations. Control tools will be strategically placed along the travel pathway, near areas of activity, and in multiple directions.
Rat control outside will include proactively using monitoring bait or rodenticide in exterior rodent bait stations. Your technician will add more bait when there is an increase in feeding activity or if the bait is totally consumed.
Snap traps may also be used in exterior stations, especially when non-toxic monitors are being used.
Rat trapping and removal services
Our process starts with a detailed inspection by our licensed technicians to identify entry points, nesting sites, and high-traffic areas.
Based on these findings, we design a customized trapping and baiting plan that is both effective and safe for your household, including children and pets.
Our range of trapping devices includes rodent bait stations, multi-catch traps, and glue traps, which are specifically designed for maximum efficiency in rodent control.
Post-removal cleanup
After the rats are removed, our experts provide advice and solutions to secure any entry points, reinforcing our commitment to protecting your home from rodents long after treatment​.
For more information on our tailored services, contact us!
Rat exclusion methods
Rodents are adept at finding ways into buildings, making proactive inspection and sealing crucial for successful pest control. Your technician will provide a detailed rodent prevention plan which includes sealing any gaps or openings that may serve as rodent entry points. This is a crucial step in rodent exclusion, as even small openings can provide access for rats and mice.
We focus on common areas such as gaps around doors, windows, utility lines, and vents. By sealing these openings, we not only block current intruders but also significantly reduce the risk of future infestations. Our service includes dryer and stove vent covers, plumbing caps on accessible pipes, chimney caps, and deodorizing and replacing damaged insulation.
Rodent exclusion is the easiest and most cost-effective way to deter rats from returning!
Common types of rats
Although there are many different species of rats, the two common species of rat that typically cause concern in the US are Norway rats and Roof rats. Both types of rats can cause extensive damage to your home or property. So, it is crucial to contact a professional rat exterminator if you suspect a problem.
Norway rats
- Also known as common rat or brown rat
- Larger than black rats
- Robust body and shorter tail
- Brown or grey
- Live in burrows near a food source
Roof rats
- Also known as black rats
- Smaller and slimmer than brown rats
- Long tail and pointer nose
- Grey or black
- Live in high places like roofs, attics, or trees
Rat control for your business
Rats are more than just a problem for homeowners. They can be a major concern for businesses as well. They can cause inventory loss, property damage, and pose health risks to employees. The bottom line is that no one wants to see a rat scurry across their business floor.
If you see a rat inside or around your business, it’s important to contact professional rat exterminators quickly.
At Ehrlich, we understand how important it is for businesses to maintain their reputation and ensure the safety of their employees and customers. We are committed to providing effective and efficient rat control services to businesses to help avoid any damages or health risks.
PestFree365+ for Ongoing Protection
Are you tired of stressing about rats? Try our PestFree365+ plan that offers hassle-free and effective solutions to protect you from 36 of the most common pests all year round.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a rat exterminator cost?
Rat exterminators can vary in cost depending on the property type and size of the infestation and property. Contact us today for a free inspection or for more information on our rat removal and control plans. You can also fill out our form to receive an instant quote.
How can I tell if I have mice or rats?
There are a few differentiations between mice and rats. Rats have smaller ears, larger feet, and thick, hairless tails. Mice will have more prominent ears and long, thin tails covered in hairs. Rats are also much larger than mice and can range from 6-15 inches long, while mice are typically one to four inches long.
Are rats dangerous?
Rats can pose a major risk to both your property and your health. Rats can spread diseases through their urine, feces, or bites. They can cause expensive property damage from gnawing through electrical wires, wooden structures, or insulation. If you suspect a rat problem, contact a professional rat exterminator. At Ehrlich, we offer rat pest control services to keep your home or business protected.
How can I identify a rat?
Rats are typically 6 -15 inches long, with long tails, large ears, and stout bodies. Look for droppings (about ½ inch), gnaw marks, and nests made of shredded material.
What damage do rats cause to homes and businesses?
Rats can gnaw through wood, insulation, and wires, causing structural damage and fire hazards. Their droppings can contaminate food, leading to health risks.
How can I prevent rats?
Seal gaps and holes, maintain cleanliness by storing food properly, trim vegetation, and ensure proper waste management to help deter rats.
What home remedy keeps rats away?
You can try placing peppermint-soaked cotton balls near entry points, or sprinkling chili powder in affected areas, though these methods aren’t proven to deter rats, especially if you are dealing with an infestation. There are lots of DIY methods out there but they often fall short of addressing the problem long-term.
Hiring a pest control professional is the most effective form of rodent control.
How can I stop rats from coming back?
Seal entry points, maintain cleanliness, and conduct regular inspections. Contact your local Ehrlich team for ongoing monitoring to prevent re-infestation.