What to Do If You See a Rat in Your Home

Seeing a rat in your home can be a shocking experience. But don’t panic! It’s important to know how to handle the situation calmly and effectively.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if you see a rat in your home and help you understand why quick action is important. At Rodent Solutions, we provide expert pest and rodent control services. We serve Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Sarasota, and nearby areas.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First things first—take a deep breath! We know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but staying calm is essential.

Look around to see where the rats are and how they are behaving. Is it darting across the room or hiding in a corner? Is it on your kitchen cabinets eating fruit?

This information can help you decide what to do next. You might also not even see the rat; you may be hearing scratching noises coming from your attic. Scratching noises late at night are a common sign that you have rodents in your home.

Identify the Signs of a Rat Infestation

If you’ve spotted a rat in your house or business, it’s likely there are more signs of their presence. Here are some common clues that you might have a rat problem around your home or business:

Common Signs to Look For

• Droppings: Tiny, dark pellets usually found near food sources or nesting areas, it is very common to see droppings in attics.
• Gnaw Marks: Look for signs of chewing on furniture, wires, or food packaging.
• Nests: Soft materials like paper or fabric that rats use to build their homes can often be found in hidden corners or basements.
• Sounds: Scratching or scurrying noises in walls or ceilings, especially at night.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to take action.

Take Immediate Action

When you see a rat, it’s crucial to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:

Do Not Approach or Attempt to Catch the Rat

While your first instinct might be to chase the rat out, it’s best to keep your distance. Rats can bite if they feel threatened, and they might escape into hard-to-reach areas. Rats also tend to carry diseases that can be dangerous to humans.

Secure Food and Waste

Rats love food, so the first step is to remove any easy snacks. Make sure all food is stored in airtight containers, and keep pet food sealed when not in use. Clean up any crumbs or spills immediately and ensure garbage is stored in secure bins.

Seal Off Access Points

Next, check your home for any holes or gaps where rats might be entering. Look around windows, doors, and the foundation of your house. Sealing these openings can help prevent more rats from coming in.

When sealing off entry points, you want to make sure you are doing it the correct way. That’s where we come in. At Rodent Solutions, we use high-quality materials to ensure your home is truly rodent-proof.

We have 13 years of experience performing high-quality rodent exclusions. All of our team members have a construction background as well, so you can rest assured our team will do it right on the first try.

Document the Situation

Take notes or pictures of what you’ve seen. This can help pest control professionals understand the extent of the problem. Make a list of signs you’ve found and note the date you saw the rat. This information can assist in finding the best solution.

Call a Professional Pest Control Service

The best way to deal with a rat problem is to call in the experts. At Rodent Solutions, we specialize in rodent removal and prevention. Our team trains to handle infestations safely and effectively, ensuring you protect your home from future visits.

If you’re located in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Sarasota, or nearby areas, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re just a phone call away!

Tailored plans based on your needs

Everyone’s situation can be a bit different. We offer different options for different situations:

• Rodent Bait Stations: These are black boxes that are placed around the outside of homes and businesses to reduce exterior populations with the use of rodenticides.
• Rodent Fertility Stations: Fertility stations are placed to act as birth control for rodents. This helps reduce population and slow down breeding.
• Rodent Exclusion: We do a full inspection of the home, looking for rodent entry points as well as signs of rodents. After we pinpoint the entry points, we seal them to prevent rodent entry.
• Trapping: Rat trapping is typically recommended once we have completed a rodent exclusion. We use snap traps and a special mix for bait.

Prevention Tips for the Future

Once you’ve dealt with the immediate problem, it’s important to take steps to prevent future rat encounters. Here are some simple tips:

• Keep Food Stored Properly: Always store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving out leftovers.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean your home, especially the kitchen and dining areas.
• Declutter Regularly: Remove piles of clutter where rats might find shelter, such as boxes or old newspapers.
• Inspect Your Home: Regularly check for gaps or holes in your home’s exterior and repair them as needed.

Conclusion

Seeing a rat in your home can be unsettling, but knowing what to do if you see a rat in your home can make all the difference. Remember to stay calm, assess the situation, secure your food, and call a professional to get the job done right.

Get ahead of the issue and call a professional as soon as you notice signs of rodents. The longer you wait, the more damage you will cause to your home. For expert pest control services in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Sarasota, and surrounding areas, contact Rodent Solutions today! We’re here to help you reclaim your space from unwanted guests.

Call us now to schedule an inspection or pest control service!