Rats are one of nature’s most enduring, dangerous, and costly pests. With teeth that never stop growing, rats and mice must constantly chew or gnaw on food or other materials to keep them in good shape. For the homeowner with an infestation, this means damage to their house, an increased risk for fires, and many health risks that come with the germs and bacteria that rodents spread.
If you’ve seen a rat or mouse inside your house, the problem is likely far worse than you even realize. That’s why it’s absolutely critical to deal with it as promptly and effectively as possible. Because of the extreme risks and dangers associated with rats, a rodent infestation is one situation where it’s always smart to rely on a professional rat exterminator.
Why Hiring a Rat Exterminator Is a Good Idea
Reason #1: They Will Get It Done Right
Dealing with rodent infestations is not something to take lightly. Sure, you can place some traps or bait, but do you really know where they are coming in and how to stop them in the future? Rodent professionals know exactly how to find and remove any nests, block entrances, and keep them from coming back in the future.
Rats breed endlessly, and if you miss just one or two the problem can keep coming back and getting worse. Your house is a major investment as well as a liability, and if you don’t treat pests with the effort and respect it takes to get rid of them, you can find yourself facing huge costs down the line. Just like you wouldn’t work on a broken car unless you’re a mechanic, you shouldn’t be handling pest control unless you are an exterminator.
Reason #2: They Will Keep You Safe
If you’ve seen rats or mice in your house, you are at risk for some very serious health concerns. Rodents can carry a variety of harmful parasites and bacteria, along with many viruses that can make you sick. It’s not even necessary to come into direct contact with or be bitten by one, their barely-noticeable droppings can contaminate food, utensils, or other surfaces, and from there you can get seriously ill.
Reason #3: Professionals Have Warranties and Insurance
One of the major reasons you should always go with a professional is because they have licenses, insurance, and warranties. They can guarantee a job well done, and if you notice a return infestation they will usually come back and take care of it for you.
Rat exterminators carry insurance to protect against any accidents, and any liabilities will be on them instead of you. All of these professional guarantees mean you’ll save money in the end and you can ensure that any work done is of the highest quality possible.
Reason #4: They Will Stop Property Damage
If you notice a rat infestation and don’t deal with it promptly, you can face major liabilities in the future. This makes hiring an exterminator a good investment, as it can save you money on costly repairs in the future. Rats can easily damage wood joints and furniture, and can even destroy the concrete foundation of a house, which is one of the most expensive and difficult home repairs possible.
If you try to deal with it yourself and fail to properly negate the issue, you can also end up with serious damage to roofs, insulation, pipes, and other material. They can also chew through wires and start fires, which can lead to the total loss of your home and possessions.
Reason #5: You Will Have Peace of Mind
Hiring a pest control professional will allow you to relax and know that the problem was handled safely and effectively. When setting traps or laying out chemical pesticides, there’s a certain way to do it right that will have the maximum effectiveness while still being safe for children or pets to be around, and hiring an exterminator is the best way to ensure that this is the case.
If you try to deal with the infestation yourself, you can easily miss small things. Tiny cracks in the wall, small holes near the floorboard, utility entryways into the house, and branches that are too close to windows all present possible entryways for rodents. Only a professional will be able to quickly and accurately notice all the possible weak points in your home and make sure that they are dealt with properly.
Rat exterminators are trained and practice rigorous cleanliness and safety standards. They have access to the best equipment possible, like sprayers and high-quality traps. No matter how hard you try, you just won’t be able to match the effectiveness, professional equipment, and thorough training that an exterminator will bring to a job.
So, if you’re dealing with a rat infestation, there’s only one real solution. Call an exterminator and have the problem dealt with today, quickly, correctly, and effectively. Anything else will leave you and your family at risk.