Nobody wants rodents in their home. However, these burrowing critters sometimes find themselves underneath your floorboards in their search for food, water, and shelter. Here are a few signs of rats living on your property and rat removal tips for getting rid of them.
How Did Rats Get Under My Floorboards?
Rats have sharp claws and teeth that allow them to easily chew through wood and dig tunnels. In fact, rats can dig up to 18 inches underground—a perfect amount of space to get under your floorboards. Older houses are especially at risk due to their old structure. Cracks in air vents and other vulnerable spots in your home also allow rats to get under your floors.
4 Common Signs of Rats Under Your Floorboards
While rats are small, they’re not stealthy. Four signs that rats may be underneath your floorboards include:
1. Scratching and Gnawing – Rats will make soft scratching noises as they move around under your floorboards. They also will gnaw on the wood to keep their teeth sharp.
2. Droppings – Rat feces is easily identifiable as small, dark and round pellets.
3. Strong Ammonia Smell – In addition to droppings, rat urine is easy to spot and smell. It produces a strong ammonia-like odor.
4. Stains or Marks – Rats’ bodies produce lots of grease. As a result, they leave marks along the paths they use.
The sooner you recognize signs of rats in your home, the easier they will be to remove. However, if you wait, the rat infestation could quickly grow out of control.
How to Get Rid of Rats
You may be tempted to get rid of these critters yourself. However, most at-home traps and remedies are inhumane and can put you and your pets at risk. Instead of adding more danger to your home, rely on rat removal professionals to safely and effectively get rid of rats.
Effective Rat Removal Services in Your Area
The wildlife experts at Critter Control® of Polk County specialize in rat removal. Our four-step process begins with a thorough walkthrough that identifies entry points and determines the scale of your infestation. After devising a plan that meets your personal needs, we will use eco-friendly and humane methods to get rid of rats and prevent them from returning. We’ll even restore any property damages caused by these nuisance critters.
To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our quick, safe, and effective rat removal services, call Critter Control® of Polk County today at 863-204-2815.
