Did you know that around 14.8 million people in the US deal with rodent infestations each year?
If you find rat droppings in your home, you could be one of those people. Dealing with these unwanted guests can be stressful and even a bit scary at times. So what should you do if you suspect you have rats in the home?
Continue reading to find out!
How To Spot Rat Poop
Before you learn what to do, it’s essential to understand what exactly rat poop looks like so you can be sure it’s what you’re dealing with.
Rat droppings are bigger than mouse droppings; they’re about half to three-quarters of an inch long. The other clear indicators are a dark color and pointed ends.
If this is what you’re seeing, let’s cover what you need to do.
Let In Some Fresh Air
Allowing some ventilation in the room can help eliminate any particles that might have made their way into the air. This reduces the risk of inhaling contaminated particles that can cause issues.
Clean Them up With Proper Coverings
It’s important not to touch the rat droppings with your bare hands as they can spread diseases. Instead, put on gloves and a mask if possible. Scoop the droppings into a bag and seal it air-tight to dispose of it.
Spray the Contaminated Area
You undoubtedly want your home to feel clean again after being soiled by animals. Of course, just picking up the poop isn’t enough, but spraying the area with a strong disinfectant, or bleach if possible, and wiping it down can help.
Consider cleaning the surrounding areas as well since it’s likely the rats walked around nearby.
Use a Mop but Avoid Brooms or Vacuums
Finally, you can use a mop to thoroughly clean the area. It’s important to avoid using a broom or vacuum because this can spread the problem instead of helping contain it.
Call a Pest Control Service
You may have cleaned up the droppings for now, but more are sure to come if you have rats living in your home. Rat droppings are gross to deal with, but if the infestation worsens, you might be dealing with chewed wires and destroyed pipes or insulation too.
The only way to fix this issue is by having critter control come and remove them. The sooner you get rat removal, the better because rats can reproduce quickly.
Call for Help at the First Sign of Rat Droppings
When you see rat droppings, you might be tempted to wait out the situation or handle it on your own. Don’t hesitate to clean up the mess first, but after that, it’s time to call pest control services.
Don’t let rats take over your home. Follow the steps listed here right away if you believe you’re having an issue.
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