Breaking news… Baltimore is ranked as the country’s eighth-rattiest city!
If you live in Baltimore, you may have noticed an influx in these scurrying little vermin around the city and even in your home. According to reports, the city’s ranking increased by four spots, jumping into the top ten list.
The results are based on the number of rat problems and exterminations from September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020. Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles also have the most issues with rats in the country.
So, what does this mean for Baltimore residents? It means you need to be more aware of rats in your home, take preventative measures to keep them out, educate yourself about the dangers, and know how to get rid of them.
What Caused the Increase in Rat Infestations?
There were a couple of things that caused an increase in the number of rat sightings and infestations in Baltimore. During the period this ranking took place, restaurants were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Due to this reason, rats didn’t have as much access to food as they usually do when people dine out and produce food scraps. So, they went searching for food sources in people’s homes at a time when people were staying home because of COVID-19.
For that reason, more people were able to notice if rats were infesting their houses. A minor rat problem could be easily missed if you’re out of the house working all day. However, spending so much time inside allowed people to notice the signs of a rat presence.
Signs of a Rat Infestation
If you aren’t on the lookout for a rat in your house, they can be easy to miss. Fortunately, there are specific tell-tale signs that you have some unwanted guests nesting in your home.
1. Scratching Noices
Rats love to scratch at wood with their little claws. It can be in the garage, basement, or even behind your walls. If you notice tiny scratching sounds, especially at night, it’s a sign you have some rats.
2. Rat Droppings
The most common and obvious sign of a rat infestation is small droppings around the house. Usually, these droppings are near food sources such as the kitchen.
3. Rub Marks
It’s no secret that rats are dirty. Their fur picks up many oils, dirt, and debris as they scurry around the streets of Baltimore and into your home. If you see dark brown or gray rub marks on your walls or stair banister, there’s a good chance you have a rat problem.
4. Urine Odor
When you have several rats invading your home, you’ll notice an unpleasant odor from their urine. Usually, the scent is described as musky or like ammonia.
What Attracts Rats?
As we mentioned previously, food is a huge attraction for hungry rats. As the weather becomes cooler, the warmth of your home is also an inviting factor for these dirty rodents.
If your home has easy access, such as holes in the doors or windows or other points of entry, it’s an invitation for rats to come and build their nests.
Pet waste can also attract rats onto your property. If you don’t clean up after your dog or leave your cat’s litterbox untouched, rats will be attracted to their feces. Let’s not forget that they eat almost anything.
The Dangers of Rats in Your Home
Sure, some people may have a rat as a pet, but they pose plenty of dangers when they infest your home from the street. Rats are known to be extremely dirty as they frequent garbage, sewers, and the darkest parts of Baltimore.
If you have rats in your home, you are at risk of becoming seriously ill. Rats carry a multitude of diseases, including the Black Plague that wiped out half of Europe in the Middle Ages. They can also cause food poisoning by contaminating your food.
Rats also love to chew on things, which can be extremely dangerous for your home. If they get their teeth on electrical wires, water pipes, or gas lines, your home is at risk of a fire, flooding, or other issues.
How to Prevent Rats from Invading
The most important thing you can do to prevent rats from coming into your Baltimore home is to keep food sealed and tucked away. Do not leave it out on the counters inviting them to come and take a nibble. Also, make sure your trash is always covered and taken out.
Your yard should also be well-maintained and not overgrown. Tall grass or piles of wood will attract rats so they can make their nests there.
If your home is cluttered, specifically with piles of cardboard, declutter and clean it promptly. These are great hiding spots for these rodents.
Lastly, seal any entry points rats may use to get into your home. Search for cracks, holes, or gaps from the outside of your house leading in.
If you’re a victim of a rat infestation, there are three things you can do to get rid of them.
What to Do If You Have Rats in Baltimore
1. Set Traps or Bait
If you want to take the matter into your own hands, you can set traps around your house to catch them. Keep in mind that you will need to dispose of your catch yourself.
2. Natural Deterrents
Maybe you don’t want to go the violent route and choose a more natural solution. Spraying peppermint oil, black pepper, cloves, or cayenne pepper around the house or where rats frequent can repel them and send them on their way.
3. Rat Poison
There are plenty of different types of poisons you can use to kill rats who enter your abode. Again, be prepared to handle the cleanup.
4. Call a Professional Exterminator
The ultimate way to handle a rat infestation is to call an exterminator. They have the necessary equipment to get rats out of your house once and for all.
Live in Baltimore? Let Brody Brothers Pest Control Get Rid of Your Rats
As Baltimore sees an influx in rat presence, more people rely on Brody Brothers Pest Control to exterminate their infestations.
If you have rats in or around your home, contact us today to see how we can help you take back your home from these scurrying little rodents!
