As most know, rats are nasty pests to have in your home. Sure, some people keep them as pets, but those are specially domesticated rats. The rats that invade homes are wild, untamed, and dangerous. Many people don't know the difference between rats and mice, which is an issue if you have one or the other in your home. 

Knowing how to find rats if you have them, preventing them if you don't, and getting rid of them effectively are all essential steps in making your Granbury home rat-free.

What's The Difference Between Rats and Mice? 

Although they have some similarities, both rats and mice each have distinctive features that allow you to distinguish them. Rats have larger heads and feet, and their tails are shorter and hairless compared to mice. Mice have long, slender tails covered in hair. 

In adulthood, rats are both larger and far more aggressive than mice. Mice will usually run and hide if threatened, while a rat is much more likely to become aggravated and attack; this is why rats are very dangerous in your home, as they can bite and transmit diseases to humans or pets. While the chance of getting bitten by a rat is minimal, it is still possible if they feel cornered and threatened. However, it’s also important to remember that even if you don’t confront a rat or mouse directly, rodents could still put your health at risk in the form of the harmful elements they leave behind, like fur and droppings. 

How To Keep Rats Out Of Your Granbury Home 

Rats, much like many other pests, are on the hunt for food. If they smell food in your home, they'll make their way inside by any means necessary. Making your home less attractive to rats reduces your risk of an infestation.  

The best thing you can do to prevent rats from being attracted to your house is to keep it clean. By keeping messes picked up and food sealed off, rats won't see your home as a viable option. Removing outdoor food sources can also keep rats away from your property. Bird feeders, pet food, compost piles, rotting garden vegetation, and open trash cans are all food sources for rats that you may not consider. 

Here are some tips to keep rats out of your Granbury home:

• Inspect the exterior of your home for possible entry points. Rats can get fit through holes as small as 1/2 inch wide. Since they can flatten their bodies to fit through spaces, the only requirement is that their head fits through. The best thing you can do to stop them from getting in is to seal any holes or gaps along the foundation.
• Some rats are excellent climbers. Look for overhanging branches and trim them back to prevent access to your window sills and roof. 
• Rats can come up through your sewer lines or pipes. Keep them sealed as best you can with caulking and proper drain caps.

In the end, if you're worried about rats getting inside, it's best to reach out to the Wise/Chem Safe Pest Control professionals. 

Professional Help With Wise/Chem Safe Pest Control 

Despite your best efforts to keep rats out, they may still find a way inside. The only 100% effective method of getting rid of rats for good is by calling on the professionals at Wise/Chem Safe Pest Control. If you're looking for rodent control or to eliminate other unwanted pests from your 

Granbury home, reach out to us today. We have specialized rodent control plans as well as recurring pest control options to keep your home free of unwanted pests all year long. Call us today to learn more!