Rodent Control Los Angeles
Our Los Angeles rat control experts can wipe out your rat or mouse infestation
For most people, crossing paths with a mouse or rat immediately evokes a sense of alarm — and rightfully so. The presence of one rodent is often the first sign of an infestation. That’s where we come in. The rat control experts at 360 Rodent Control can detect, treat and prevent rodent infestations in residential settings. After neutralizing the rodents, we’ll remove the mess they left behind. We specialize in cleaning attics and crawl spaces overrun by vermin. Our Los Angeles rodent control specialists will help you reclaim your home.
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Why you should be concerned about rats in Los Angeles
In addition to the embarrassment factor, rats pose serious health and safety risks. Ranking second to mosquitoes, rats are among the most dangerous pests that spread diseases to humans. Not only do rats leave behind toxins in their waste and bodily secretions, but it is not uncommon for rats to bite. Rat bites are not the only way humans can also become infected by illnesses rats transmit. People can also contract rodent-borne diseases by:
- eating contaminated food
- breathing contaminated air
- touching their eyes, nose, or mouth after their hands come in contact with a contaminated surface
- being scratched by a rat
- being bitten by a fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, or mites that have bitten an infected rat
Illnesses spread by rats
Most people associate rats with Plague. During the Middle Ages, Plague killed millions of Europeans. Today, Plague can potentially cause serious illness or even death if left untreated. There are three main types of Plague:
- bubonic
- systemic
- pneumonic
In addition to Plague, rats can also spread potentially deadly hantaviruses. Old World hantaviruses are more common in Europe and Asia. New World hantaviruses are most often found in the Americas. Old World hantaviruses affect the blood and can cause kidney failure whereas New World hantaviruses attack the lungs and can cause severe respiratory infections. The mortality rate among patients infected with New World hantaviruses is approximately twice as high as the rate among people who have been diagnosed with an Old World hantavirus.
Rats vs. mice
People often refer to rats and mice interchangeably. However, the two rodent species differ in appearance. Rats are larger. Therefore, they have larger teeth and thicker, hairless tails. Because rats are generally larger, they also leave behind larger droppings. In contrast, mice have more delicate features. People are more likely to keep mice as pets. Regardless, both mice and rats can spread serious diseases if they infest your home.
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Causes of rodent infestations in Los Angeles
You may be wondering why rats chose to move into your space. Even if you have a rigorous cleaning routine, your home or commercial property may still attract rodents. Rat infestations are more common in the presence of one or more of the following factors.
Inadequate sanitation
Even mildly unsanitary conditions can lead to a sizable rat infestation. Unclean spaces provide food and water for rodents. Rats are scavengers. They invade homes, buildings, and secluded alleys seeking garbage scraps they can eat or otherwise use to construct their homes.
Clutter
If your space is sanitary but cluttered, rats may still feel inclined to set up shop. Rats see household clutter as an opportunity to seek shelter from the elements. A rat’s ideal home is warm, covered, and close to a food source. Those characteristics describe most households. Garages, basements, and crawl spaces provide a secluded environment in which rats can live undetected. If you have deep piles of leaves or mulch outside, rats may take up residence among the piles and eventually move indoors.
Easy access
Rats enter buildings through easy, low-traffic points of access. These entry points can be as small as 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch in width. Spaces underneath doors, crawlspaces, and areas between pipes are prime openings rats and mice can use to gain access to your home.
Exposed water
Water can attract rats to your property. Standing water from leaks and dripping water from faulty plumbing can increase the likelihood that rodents will take interest in moving into your home. Rats are also attracted to birdbaths and water left in bowls for pets.
Unattended open food
Rats often find their way to household and commercial kitchens to gain access to unlimited food. Rodents can chew through food packaging and climb into or topple improperly secured food storage containers. Leaving pet food out for domestic animals can also attract rats.
Signs of rat infestation in Los Angeles
Although a rat sighting is an undeniable sign that rodents have moved into your space, there are other things you can look for to determine whether your home has rats or mice. The following signs are common indicators of a rodent infestation.
You notice a lingering unpleasant odor
When rodents take up residence in a building, they inevitably leave behind waste. Rat urine has a stale ammonia odor that intensifies with the size of infestation. The more rats you have, the stronger the smell. You may not notice the smell of rodent urine if you only have one or two rats. However, if detect a strong ammonia-like odor, it is time to call a reputable pest control company.
You see rat droppings
Before you notice the smell of rodent urine, you may see rat droppings. Rat droppings are black in color and relatively moist. If they have been sitting for a while, they dry out and take on a greyish hue. You are more likely to find droppings near a food source. You may discover them in:
- kitchen cabinets
- pantries
- secluded corners
- under furniture
You may see rat droppings without ever detecting the presences of rats. Not only do rat droppings indicate the presence of rodents, but droppings can also provide clues to help determine the size and type of rodent infestation you may have.. A pest control professional can determine whether you have an active infestation.
You find holes or bite marks in walls and household materials
Rats gnaw their way through drywall, plaster, and paper products like cardboard as they search for food. You may see a hole with bite marks in food packaging or in areas that are more likely to host rats. As a rule of thumb, the size of the rat corresponds to the size of the hole you find.
You find a rat's nest
When rodents move into a house or other type of building, they use paper and organic materials to construct homes for themselves. Rats pile scraps of material together to create nests. Like other areas in an infested space, rats' nests may also have bite marks in the materials or contain droppings.
You hear rats
During quiet moments you may be able to hear signs of a rat infestation. In an infested home, you can hear rats scampering in empty rooms, through hallways, or even behind walls and in the ceilings. Rodents are generally nocturnal creatures. Therefore; you are more likely to see or hear them after sundown. However, rats and mice are sometimes active during the daytime in homes and buildings with large rat infestations. If you hear small animals scurrying about in the middle of the night, contact 360 Rodent Control to assess the situation.
You notice tiny footprints in dusty areas
Rodents tend to reuse the same paths to access point of interest. Therefore, you may see rodent footprints when cleaning dusty areas. If you suspect an area may be frequently traveled by rats, leave sawdust or flour overnight on the surface overnight. If you have a rat infestation, you may see footprints the next day.
RODENT CONTROL FAQs
How many treatment sessions are needed?
We can treat a rat infestation of any size with one application. We specialize in eliminating severe rat infestations from homes and commercial buildings.
What can I do to discourage rats from invading my home?
Keep your home clean and free of clutter. If you have pets, feed them and provide water at designated times throughout the day. Avoid leaving food and water out around the clock.
Where should I check for rat nests?
Rats often nest under sinks and appliances. Appliances provide a potential heat source while sinks provide protective cover and a potential water source. You should also check your countertops and cupboards for other signs like rat feces.
What do rats eat?
As true omnivores and unsanitary creatures, rats eat practically any organic material. Depending on what is available in your home, this may include cardboard, drywall, insulation materials, food scraps, paper, pet food, birdseed, and even pet feces.
Are rats more likely to invade during certain seasons?
Rats can infest your home virtually anytime as they are always looking for protective housing with food and water nearby. In cold weather climates, rats are more inclined to seek shelter during the winter months to stay warm when the temperature drops outside.
How can I determine the severity of a rat infestation?
Determining the size of an infestation can be challenging for everyday people who have no professional pest control experience. Your home can be infested even if you only see rats occasionally. Rodents may be living in your property’s walls, ceilings, basement, or in outdoor spaces. A qualified pest control technician an properly assess your home to determine whether you have an infestation.
What are some toxic materials rodents leave behind?
Rats bring their urine, feces, saliva, and dander into the households they infest. Any of these materials can spread diseases to humans if the rat is carrying a pathogen.
What are some of the other heath effects rats can cause?
Rat fur triggers allergies and asthma in some people. Rodent feces can spread salmonella. Rats can spread a potentially fatal disease known as Rat Bite Fever (RBF) if an infected rat bites or contaminates food eaten that is later eaten by humans.
Is it safe to use a DIY rat poison?
You may be tempted to use rat poison in your home, but we recommend calling a professional. Rat poison can potentially pose health risks if consumed by children and pets. If consumed by rats, you may be left the task of handling dead rats that may carry diseases. We’ll take care of the rat problem for you so you can stay safe and keep your hands clean.
What should I do if I find signs of rats in my kitchen?
Carefully examine all food items for evidence of rodent tampering. Throw away any produce or bulk grains that may have come in contact with rats. Check all food packaging for bite marks.
360 Rodent Control’s one-treatment solution
If your home or commercial property has a severe or lingering rat infestation, you are unlikely to eliminate the problem by setting out a few traps. You need professional-grade solutions and proven strategies to banish the rodents for good. The pest control technicians at 360 Rodent Control will implement a multi-faceted, single-treatment strategy to eliminate your rat infestation for good. Our approach to rodent control is based on our many years of experience, extensive training, and a detailed understanding of rodent behavior.
First, we will identify and seal all potential rodent access points on your property. Rats will pass your property by and choose places they can enter more easily. Once rats or mice have infested a home, they leave behind pheromones to create scent trails they can use to return to their favorite spots. We’ll neutralize all rodent scents and pheromones. With no scent trail to follow, rats will be unable to return to their former nesting sites once they have left your property.
Reliable pest control solutions to rid your home of rodents
Whether you have tried DIY methods of pest control or if you have only just begun to suspect you may have rats, contact 360 Rodent Control to determine the extent of your rodent problem and to eliminate it for good. If you have just purchased a residential or commercial property, we can provide preventative solutions that will help you avoid rodent infestations in the future. Visit us online or give us a call to learn more or to schedule an appointment with one of our qualified pest control professionals.
