How to Get Rid of Rats in the Walls
Hearing scratching in the walls at night? It might not be your imagination. Rats hiding behind drywall or insulation aren’t just unnerving, they’re destructive, potentially dangerous! This is a common (and urgent) issue for Ontario homeowners. At SWAT Wildlife, we specialize in humane, professional rat removal designed to solve the problem at its root.
Rat Infestations Cannot Be Ignored
Rats tend to exploit small holes, wall gaps, and utility lines to build nests inside wall cavities. Once inside, they gnaw constantly, often on electrical wires, posing fire hazards. Roof rats, house mice, and other rodents destroy insulation with nesting materials and leave behind rat droppings, urine, and mouse droppings.
Attempting to kill rats without proper removal can even lead to decomposition, allowing contaminants to soak into drywall and insulation, causing them to circulate through HVAC systems and degrade air quality, leading to potential health issues and expensive restoration!
Risks of DIY
Trying to kill mice and rats using spring loaded mouse traps, rat traps, or glue traps, is like fighting an uphill battle. Even more importantly, attempts to use rat poison without the proper knowledge can expose your household to serious health risks. Not to mention ineffective methods, like unset traps or cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil do little to nothing to stop an infestation.
These DIY methods also often fail to eliminate food sources or identify how rodents are getting in. Rats love clutter and exposed food and water; without sealing off entrances, like attic vents or small openings near pipes, they’ll return before you know it.
Don’t Panic, Call the Professionals
The best way to safely get rid of rodents and prevent them from coming back is to call a pest control expert. At SWAT Wildlife, our team uses professional-grade tools like thermal cameras, borescopes, and humane live traps. Our team identifies entry points, places traps effectively, and uses secure bait stations to eliminate rodent problems.
We also remove food and nesting areas, replace soiled insulation, and seal access points with steel mesh or other materials. If insulation has been compromised, consider our attic insulation services to prevent access to your home.
Preventing Future Infestations
Preventing future infestations starts with terminating attractive food and water sources; store pet food in airtight containers. Rodents love clutter, so do your best to tidy up and thin out anything like old cardboard boxes, wood piles, and other household items. Sealing crawl spaces, and vents, and inspecting packaging for signs of gnaw marks are essential steps to prevent rodents from gaining easy access. These small steps can stop rodents from taking the same routes back onto your property, and are safe methods of pest control.
Ready to Eliminate Your Rat Problem?
If you have found gnaw marks, heard strange sounds in the walls, or spotted droppings, don’t wait for the problem to escalate before calling for professional help. Let SWAT Wildlife remove rodents and safeguard your home. Contact us today for fast, effective, and humane solutions.