Signs of a Rat Infestation and Why It Should Worry You
While pests are an inevitable part of nature housing them in your home is not a healthy option. Despite all avoidance, these pests, especially rats, somehow sneak into our homes.
If you live in New York City, you may already be aware of the problems NYC rats can cause, despite all the developments and technologies to deal with the NYC rats issue.
Over the years rats have damaged thousands of dollars worth of property. They usually populate areas with a high-density human population because of the abundance of trash which happens to be their favorite diet. Besides these, rats also infest construction sites which offer sufficient burrows to them.
Eradicating NYC rats from the neighborhood is not possible. However, you should be aware of the signs of an infestation, and why they are hazardous for humans so that you can protect yourself and your family.
Signs of an NYC Rats Infestation
Before you buy a rat trap of some kind, it's essential to know whether actual rats are in your home, and you are not confusing them with some other rodent. The following are some signs that you have rats in your home:
#### Droppings
Rat droppings are the first indicator of their presence in your place. They are shiny black, and their size ranges from ½ – ¾ inch in length. Rodent droppings are nauseating and unpleasant for anyone, but important to inspect to confirm they are in your home.
So if you find piles of droppings or dirt like tracks along walls closely examine them. They let you identify whether they are rodent or feces from another pest.
#### Keep an Eye on Your Dogs
If you have a dog in your home, its behavior or attitude can be a good indicator of the presence of rats. Dogs get disturbed because of the presence of rats and may be extra vigilant around the yard at night.
If it is in fact rats, then get rid of them immediately because the diseases attached to rats can harm dogs.
#### Location of Tracks
Closely examine dusty or muddy areas in your home. Look at corners, along baseboards, and near food sources. You may find tiny tracks bearing rat footprints or patterns of tail dragging.
Rats tend to move along the walls and borders so look out for smear marks at the bottom of the wall or along baseboards.
#### Gnaw Marks
Rats are known for the non-stop growth of their teeth, and to make the best use of their growing teeth, they keep on chewing. Usually, the teeth marks of rats are 1/8 – inch long.
If you suspect the presence of rats or hear gnawing and scratching sounds in the night, then examine door frames, doors, baseboards, cabinets, and any wooden barrier for the marks.
#### Detect Musky Smell
If you start smelling a musky odor in your home despite cleaning and ventilation, then this is a significant sign of the presence of rats. Just like other animals they possess a distinct odd musky smell. In the case of infestation or nesting, the smell will get stronger.
#### Strange Noise
Rats are nocturnal in nature and come out of their hideouts at night. If you frequently hear scratching and scurrying sounds in your home at night, then that's a good indicator you have a rat problem.
Why You Should Worry About NYC Rats in Your Home
#### Diseases
Besides irritating and revolting there are several other reasons to worry about an NYC rats infestation. The most dangerous being the diseases they can spread. Research has proven that rats are carriers of 20+ disease-causing germs, and spread the germs in the areas they live in.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns that rats can directly transmit dangerous diseases that include:
#### Rats Nest
Everybody wants to live in a comfy house. Unfortunately, rats also look for comfortable and soft nests that they can make from your household items. Pile of unused paper, cardboard, cloths, fabric, books, files, and such sort of material that is readily available in your house, they will shred and use it to make a nest.
Rats can cause significant damage to your house by chewing away items like wiring, insulation, drywall, and plastic with their long sharp teeth.
#### Food
NYC rats are always in search of food. So there's a high possibility the reason they have invaded your home is in their search for food. They can even chew the packaging to get to the food. Also, if they get their way into your pantry they'll walk over the food, and while walking on it, they drop their feces or urine, thus contaminating the food.
If people consume contaminated food, they can get severely ill due to foodborne illness such as salmonellosis which causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever.
#### Breeding
Rats are excellent breeders, and their population grows at a faster rate than other mammals. If your house is providing enough shelter, food, and water to rats, then they will build nests there, and reproduce rapidly.
On average a female rat can produce seven litters in one year, with each litter having 14 young rats. Thus if a couple of rats make their way into your home, then it can soon turn into a serious rat infestation if not properly controlled.
NYC rats are in no way a harmless pest that you can let live in your house. The moment you spot signs of a rat infestation you should take emergency measures immediately or contact a professional pest control company to help you get rid of them.