Pest Control for Rats
The Carolinas’ warm climate and beautiful natural landscapes make them a popular place to live and work. The downside is that the pleasant weather, lush vegetation, plentiful water features, diversity of geography from mountains to beaches, and the dense populations of cities and commercial centers also provide the ideal environment for rats.
Rats are medium-sized rodents, with an average body size of 6 to 10 inches and a hairless tail that is 6 to 8 inches long. They have small but prominent ears, large beady eyes, and pointed heads with long whiskers. North and South Carolina are home to several species of rats, including the Norway (brown) rat, Roof (black) rat, Marsh rats, and Woodrats. No matter what type of rats you have, it’s essential to understand their threat and have a pest control plan to address them.
The Carolinas’ warm climate and beautiful natural landscapes make them a popular place to live and work. The downside is that the pleasant weather, lush vegetation, plentiful water features, diversity of geography from mountains to beaches, and the dense populations of cities and commercial centers also provide the ideal environment for rats.
Rats are medium-sized rodents, with an average body size of 6 to 10 inches and a hairless tail that is 6 to 8 inches long. They have small but prominent ears, large beady eyes, and pointed heads with long whiskers. North and South Carolina are home to several species of rats, including the Norway (brown) rat, Roof (black) rat, Marsh rats, and Woodrats. No matter what type of rats you have, it’s essential to understand their threat and have a pest control plan to address them.
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Why Are Rats a Problem for Carolina Homes and Businesses?
The very thought of rats may make you feel fear or disgust, especially if you spot one around your property. There’s good reason for the negative association with these pests. They pose several very real threats.
Disease
Rats are known to carry a variety of diseases that can spread to humans through direct contact, like a bite from an infected rat, or through indirect contact, such as touching a surface contaminated by rat urine, feces, or saliva. Some of these illnesses can cause serious complications or even death:
- Plague
- Hantavirus Pulonary Syndrome
- Rat-Bite Fever
- Leptospirosis
- Salmonella
The danger of pathogens and bacteria spread by rats makes it imperative that you thoroughly clean and disinfect any surface they may have touched.
Damage
Rats have an instinct to chew constantly. This drive helps to control their teeth, which are always growing. If rats make their way inside your home or business, they will chew on walls, furniture, fabrics, and even electrical wiring, which could cause a fire.
Reputation
Since rats are so commonly associated with disease and filth, gaining a reputation for having rats in your place of business, home, or rental property can quickly lead to gossip and, if found in your work, a steep drop in revenue. People will likely avoid your business, especially if you are in food service.
The Importance of Rat Control and Prevention
Rats live in communities. If you see one rat, it’s likely there are many more that remain hidden. They breed quickly and rapidly reach infestation levels that won’t improve unless you take action.
Keep your property clean to make your home or business less hospitable to rats. Store food in sealed containers and keep trash in lidded bins. Don’t leave pet food out unattended. Keep your lawn neat and dispose of any yard debris. Periodically inspect your property for holes, gaps, or cracks in the foundation, around windows and doors, or at utility entrances.
While regular maintenance is important, professional pest control is the best defense against rats. The experts at Anticimex Carolinas provide customized solutions that identify entry points, monitor rodent activity, and rid your home or business of rats. Anticimex Carolinas uses safe, effective, and eco-friendly products and methods based on the latest technology, including SMART rodent control services with 24/7 monitoring and protection.
Anticimex SMART Rat Control Is an Effective and Eco-Friendly Solution
You likely already use a few “smart” devices that improve efficiency and convenience, like your mobile phone or smart home products like lights, doorbells, and thermostats. Now you can add smart pest control. Anticimex SMART technology is an innovative system that monitors and tracks rat activity 24/7/365 to prevent infestations.
SMART rodent protection begins with an inspection of your home and placement of wireless sensors and traps that communicate with each other and send data back to our headquarters. SMART services include ongoing physical inspections and the emptying and relocating of traps. This cutting-edge technology gives you unparalleled coverage and protection with 24-hour support, so you can relax and enjoy greater peace of mind, knowing rats are no longer a problem.
Anticimex SMART: A Game-Changer in Rodent Control
Sometimes traditional traps can’t keep up. That’s why Anticimex uses advanced digital rodent control systems that operate 24/7—so you don’t have to. Homeowners across the Carolinas are turning to our expert exterminators for fast, long-lasting solutions.
The Anticimex SMART system provides intelligent protection that works while you sleep, work, or travel. It’s discreet, eco-friendly, and incredibly effective.
SMART Technology Includes:
- Smart Connect: A wireless hub that links all components and reports activity in real time.
- Smart Eye: Heat and motion sensors that detect rodent presence in hard-to-reach areas.
- Smart Catch: Automated traps that capture mice and send immediate alerts.
- Smart Box: High-capacity units for areas with elevated activity.
Skip the guesswork and harmful products. Our system provides peace of mind through precision and automation.
When to Call a Rat Exterminator
Learn how to spot common indicators that rats are present so you can take swift action to eradicate infestations before they grow larger. Remember that rats are nocturnal and, therefore, most active at night, making it even more difficult to notice their presence early on. Some common signs of rat activity are:
- Sighting live rats
- Droppings
- Shredded paper or cloth (used as nesting material)
- Chew marks on walls, furniture, or food packaging
- Holes in your walls
- Strange, musty odors
- Scratching or scuttling noises coming from the attic or walls, especially at night.
If you experience any of the above signs, contact a professional pest control expert immediately. Anticimex Carolinas provides quality, state-of-the-art pest management services to homes and businesses in North and South Carolina to eliminate your rat problem.
Frequently Asked Questions about Spiders in the Carolinas
How did I get rats?
Rats are found everywhere, from the wilderness to rural areas to bustling urban communities. They are generally drawn to sources of food and shelter. Rats can fit through openings as small as one-half inch wide, so any small cracks or holes in your home can be seen as an invitation to venture inside.
How can I keep rats away from my property?
Eliminating entry points and clearing away food, trash, and lawn debris can help to deter rats.
Why are rats a threat to my home or business?
Rats pose three big threats: they spread disease, cause property damage, and ruin your reputation.
How fast can a rat infestation develop?
Female rats breed at just three months. Each rat can have a dozen pups per litter, with up to 12 litters per year. These numbers quickly add up and can create a major problem in a matter of weeks.
What is the best rat control solution?
Several types of rat traps and treatments can be effective, but many home and business owners find that the continuous protection of Anticimex SMART control is the ideal solution. Keep in mind that DIY attempts at rat control can fail to identify the source of the problem, such as entry points, so you should always begin with an inspection from an expert rodent control company, followed by professional treatment for the best results.
