Will Rats Leave On Their Own?

Rats are some of the most annoying and unsanitary pests to deal with when they attack. These destructive rodents present numerous issues that can be a severe hazard to your property and family. They can get into your home in many ways, including the small cracks in your wall and foundation, an open attic window, or even through a chimney opening since they are smarter than mice.

Very well known to spread up to 35 diseases to humans, including Hantavirus, salmonella, plague, and rat bite fever. Not only are they a health hazard, but these nuisances are also one of the world’s most destructive pests. They can cause insurmountable damage by constantly gnawing at your home and belongings.

But the worst news is that getting rid of a rat infestation can be extremely demanding and often unsuccessful without the help of an expert. If you have them in your home or business, you’re likely wondering, ‘will rats leave on their own?’ This article answers this question and other frequently asked questions about rats.

Will Rats Leave On Their Own?

One of the most commonly asked questions by homeowners is, ‘do they ever leave on their own?’ Unfortunately, these invasive creatures will never leave on their own. This is especially true if there’s a continuous food source on your premises. Like other rodents, rats invade homes in search of three basic needs, including food, water, and shelter.

These warm-blooded pests constantly seek a warm and comfortable place to nest and raise their young ones. They are not picky eaters. They are omnivorous scavengers and typically munch on anything humans feed on, including vegetables, cereals, rice, fruits, and seeds. With that said, it’s crucial that you store human and pet foods in sealable, airtight containers to discourage them.

How Do Rats Get into Homes?

Are smart little creatures that will quickly move into your home if there’s anything tempting them inside. These resourceful creatures don’t ring the doorbell to be invited in. Instead, they notoriously chew holes in the soft wood under your porch and then crawl into the wall void before invading your home. Some rat species are also excellent climbers. This allows them to easily scale walls or climb a tree to reach the roof and then sneak in via an open attic window or chimney opening.

One of the most effective ways to prevent rats from entering your home is by sealing gaps in your exterior and interior walls. Keep in mind that sewer rats can squeeze through unimaginably small spaces; hence, do not ignore the small cracks in your home’s foundation and walls. For long-lasting rat control results, fill the holes with steel wool and put caulking around the steel wool to keep it in place. Alternatively, you can seal larger holes using metal kick plates, cement, hardware cloth, or metal sheeting.

Where Do Rats Go During the Day?

Rats are nocturnal pests, meaning sightings mostly happen at night instead of during the day. These opportunistic invaders usually come out at night, dusk, or just before dawn to forage for food.

When daylight comes, they hide in places tucked out of the way to avoid human contact. Outdoors, you will find rats hiding under piles of debris, in trashcans and dumpsters, or inside sewers. Indoors, usually hide in the most undisturbed places, such as air ducts, under refrigerators, inside storage boxes, in the duct system, in wall voids, behind cabinets, and in crawl spaces.

Do Rodents Invade Clean Houses?

Yes. they are on a relentless search for warmth and food. Unfortunately, these unwelcome guests will infest your immaculately clean home if there’s a reliable food source and if they can find a warm place to make their nests.

What Is the Most Effective Way To Control Rats?

Given the risks posed by a full-blown rodent infestation, it’s crucial that you exterminate them as soon as you notice the signs of a rat problem. However, controlling them can be a demanding and not-so-fun task to do at home. That’s because these annoying pests are very agile, and their flexible body shapes allow them to escape through the narrowest gaps easily.

On top of that, rats are pretty intelligent and have excellent memory. This means they can become suspicious and avoid new things, such as traps and baits. That, and their capability to hide in tight places make rats extremely difficult to control.

The most effective way to get rid of them is to engage a licensed pest control company near me. Maximum Pest Control Services experts will thoroughly inspect your home and identify the root cause of your rat problem. The experts will then provide the most suitable solution to your rat problem and guarantee long-term protection from future infestations.

Can I Get Rid of Rats Myself?

If you’re considering going down the DIY rat control route, you can use baits, traps, or rats poisons. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the product labelling for the best results. Over-the-counter control products can pose health risks if your children or pets come in contact with the chemicals. Hence, you must approach this method with great caution.

Alternatively, you can try safe rat deterrents such as peppermint oil, ammonia, onions, garlic, or cayenne pepper to get rid of rats naturally. They dislike the smell of these natural ingredients and will keep off an area with such scents.

How Do I Know If Rats Are Gone?

Just because you don’t see them scurrying in your house doesn’t mean they are not around. If you have controlled a rat problem but suspect the pests are still coming, you can use the following method to test their presence.

Spread some flour on surfaces and floors and leave it overnight. If you notice a trail of tiny footprints on the flour, that indicates they are in the house. You can follow this trail to determine where the unwanted guests are hiding.

How Long Does It Take to Fully Eliminate a Rat Problem?

How long it takes to get rid of a rat infestation depends on several factors. For instance, it can take anywhere between 3-6 weeks to eradicate a small rat problem, while a severe infestation may take up to 3 months. Additionally, professional rodent pest control exterminator in Oakville Ontario will assist in fully eliminate your mice and rats pest problem within a few days compared to the DIY method, which can take months to exterminate the pests by yourself.

If you’re having trouble dealing with rodent problem, contact Maximum Pest Control Services today for a thorough inspection of your home or business. Our local rodent pest controllers  technicians are equipped with the right combination of products, up-to-date equipment, and years of experience controlling pests. We will get rid of them and seal problem areas to reduce the chances of future infestation. Contact Maximum Today (905) 582-5502.