Rat droppings in your house, sounds in your walls and skittering noises at night are indicators of a rat infestation. Deal with a rat infestation quickly to avoid property damage and exposure to dangerous diseases.
Call Us at (833) 732-0439
What Is the Fastest Way to Get Rid of Rats?
There are many ways to deal with a rat infestation — some work faster than others. By implementing a combination of methods, you can get rid of rats quickly. Here are some strategies to try.
Set a Trap
The traditional method of trapping a rat is still effective, especially if you know where your unwanted visitors are nesting, as it's best to place traps close to nesting areas. Rat traps that don't pose any dangers to children and pets are best used in the living space, snap traps are better suited for areas where there is not a concern for children or pets finding the trap. Both are easy to find at various stores and...
According to a recent report by Medical News Today, birds and their droppings can carry more than 60 diseases. While birds are an essential part of a healthy ecosystem, bird infestations in and around homes and businesses can have serious consequences. When wild birds nest or gather around buildings, the result is not just messy. It can also be dangerous to human health.
Are Birds a Health Hazard?
Birds in their natural environment are not a health hazard. Problems only arise when wild birds make their homes in and around human habitats. Owners of pet birds and poultry are usually aware of potential health risks associated with birds and take precautions such as regularly cleaning cages, washing hands and using sanitizers.
Do Outside Birds Carry Diseases?
While nesting house sparrows or visiting pigeons might be fun to watch, their droppings may contain parasites and bacteria. In addition, droppings often attract other pests, including rodents, flies and cockroaches. Nests may even contain bird mites and...
You likely already know that rats are a nuisance, but they can cause more damage than chewed wires or a compromised pantry. The risks of rats in your home can also include diseases that may transmit to you or members of your household. Understand these diseases and how they're transmitted, and rest assured that Urban Jungle can help address your home's rat problem.
Common Diseases Carried by Rats
Although the list of diseases carried by rodents is comprehensive, some rat-related conditions are more common than others. Not all rat-borne diseases are the result of direct transmission. Some diseases, like The Bubonic Plague, result from indirect transmission and rats are simply carriers. Common diseases caused by exposure to rat urine, feces or contact with an infected rodent include:
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS): Rodents spread this severe respiratory disease, which can be deadly.
Rat bite fever (RBF): People who have frequent contact with rodents are particularly at risk of developing RBF.
Leptospirosis: Humans can...
Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. This certainly applies to the popular notion that applying snake repellent to the perimeter of your yard will create an invisible shield that keeps snakes out. It may make you feel more secure in the short term, but if your yard's conditions are an ideal snake habitat, you will likely be disappointed with the results.
Does Snake Repellent Work?
There's a lot of conflicting information about whether snake repellents work. Manufacturers and suppliers of sprays and electronic devices created to deter snakes naturally promote their products to increase sales. To get an objective view of the efficacy of snake-repellent sprays, one must turn to science.
Most snake species have poor vision and use their tongues to collect sensory information about their environment. The problem with dousing areas with foul-smelling or even toxic sprays is that snakes do not perceive odors the same way as humans. They are not tuned in to be offended...
Birds are attracted to exhaust vents because they offer shelter, safety and warmth. The enclosed space of the vent mimics natural nesting environments.
The most common bird entry points in a home are:
Kitchen and bathroom vents
Dryer and furnace exhaust vents
A musty smell or scratching sounds coming from a vent could indicate the presence of a bird. Frequent chirping indicates that presence of hatchlings. When you suspect there is a bird in a vent, it's essential to resolve the situation quickly to avoid potential health and fire hazards.
Call Us at (833) 732-0439
The Danger of a Blocked Vent
Birds nesting in your vents can lead to several issues, including:
Health hazards: Birds carry mites that can bite humans and pets and cause skin irritations. Beyond that, prolonged exposure to bird waste and feathers can cause histoplasmosis, a fungal lung infection.
Fire risks: Birds build their nests from flammable materials like twigs, leaves and feathers. The nests block airflow in dryer vents, leading...
Rats living in the attic and walls can go unnoticed for years. Unlike mice which frequently enter the kitchen and pantry to find food, rats prefer to live in the structure of the home and go outside for food and water. A rat infestation can cause severe property damage and expose you and your loved ones to dangerous diseases. Here's how to tell if you might have a rat problem.
How Do You Know If Rats Are in Your House?
Look out for the following seven signs that can indicate the presence of rats in your home. If you're aware of an infestation, you can get rid of these unwanted guests quickly.
1. Rodent Droppings
One of the prominent signs of an infestation is rat droppings. You'll likely find droppings in hidden areas like the attic, crawlspace, or garage. Finding droppings in cupboards and drawers, under sinks and near food packages is likely mice or a sign of a severe rat infestation. There are...
Despite their name, ringtail cats aren't related to cats at all. Their scientific name, Bassaricus astuts, means “cunning little fox.” These agile, nocturnal omnivores are members of the raccoon family and are most often heard rather than seen. Although they have adorably cute features, there are several compelling reasons why ringtails and humans should never share space.
Are Ringtail Cats Dangerous to Humans?
Ringtail cats are not dangerous to humans when they live in their natural habitat, which includes rocky outcrops, canyons, caves or hollow trees. Although they are endemic to the southern regions of North America, many people have never seen a living ringtail.
Since ringtail cats are opportunistic feeders, they may become a dangerous nuisance if they find a ready food source or shelter around humans. Although they actively avoid human contact, their feces can spread harmful diseases, parasites and bacteria. In addition, they can be noisy and messy and, like their raccoon relatives, will actively dig through trash to seek...
Birds are common pests throughout the United States and often cause damage by building nests and leaving droppings in your home or attic. All native bird species are federally protected. It is essential to properly identify the bird species before you determine how best to handle the situation. Non-native and invasive bird species, do not share the same protected status as their native counterparts, however, they should still be treated appropriately.
Birds can also carry fleas, lice, and mites on their wings, which can spread if they make their way into your home or business. Once they are on your property, they become difficult to get rid of on your own, which is why you should employ the help of wildlife removal experts at Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal.
Call Us at (833) 732-0439
Factors Influencing Professional Bird Removal Costs
There are various effective methods of getting rid of birds with varying costs. When creating an estimate, we consider factors such as the species, the...
The very best rat control methods involve thinking like a rat — in other words, do everything possible to make your home environment inhospitable for the critters.
10 Rat Prevention Tips
By the time you hear scuttling noises at night or find droppings, rats are already present on your property. It's far better to prevent uninvited rodents by remaining vigilant and using a few simple rat prevention tactics before they move in.
Like all animals, rats require food, water, and shelter to survive. In addition to preventing them from entering your home, your rat prevention strategy should focus on depriving rats of these three essential requirements. The following 10 practical rat prevention methods can help:
Keep your yard clutter-free: Rats love garbage, clutter, or even stored building materials.
Use compost bins with secure covers: You should also keep your covered composting operation away from the house.
Keep your outside garbage in bins with tight-fitting lids: Rats can fit through tiny gaps, so get...
Texas abounds with different venomous and non-venomous snakes, some more prevalent near human habitats than others.
Learn why they enter our properties and how wildlife removal experts remove them.
Why Do Snakes Enter Human Habitats?
When snakes enter human habitats, it's usually because their natural habitat is threatened or diminishing due to human activity. They find their way onto residential and commercial properties, seeking warmth, shelter, and food. Properties with rodent infestations (or other food sources such as lizards, frogs, insects, etc) are more prone to attracting snakes into crawl spaces, attics, and other areas. Permanent water sources around the home will also attract a variety of animals including snakes.
Understanding Snake Habits
Snake activity is influenced by food availability, weather conditions, and reproductive cycles. Snakes emerge from hiding in spring after winter brumation, which is similar to hibernation. Their activity peaks in summer, when they are often seen basking, mating, and hunting. You'll spot snakes less frequently during winter. However, if the temperature increases...
