Seeing a rat might be alarming, but don’t panic. Start by assessing the situation:
Rats are rarely alone. Even if you see just one, there’s a chance others are nearby.
Note where the rat was last seen. Did it disappear into a corner, hole, or cluttered area?
Look for droppings, chewed materials, or grease marks along walls. These are clear indications of an infestation.
Rats are experts at hiding, so a thorough inspection is crucial. Here’s what to look for:
Small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings are a clear sign of rodent activity.
Rats chew on wires, wood, and stored items.
Look for shredded paper, fabric, or insulation in secluded areas.
Inspect the walls, foundation, and garage door for openings where rats could enter. Even a hole as small as a quarter can provide access.
Rats are drawn to food, water, and shelter. To make your garage less inviting, take these steps:
Store pet food, birdseed, and other items in airtight, metal or heavy-duty plastic containers.
Remove piles of boxes, old furniture, or unused items where rats could hide or nest.
Fix leaks and clean up any standing water.
If you suspect a rat infestation, it’s time to take action.
Snap traps are effective for catching individual rats. Place them along walls or near entry points, where rats typically travel. Avoid using poison as it can be hazardous to pets and may result in dead rats in hard-to-reach areas.
A single rat sighting can indicate a larger issue. San Joaquin Pest Control in Visalia offers expert rodent control services to identify the source, eliminate the problem, and prevent future infestations.
Prevent rats from entering your garage by sealing any openings they could use:
Use steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth to seal gaps and cracks.
Ensure it closes tightly and that weather stripping is in good condition.
Install mesh covers to block access.
Ignoring a rat in your garage can lead to bigger problems:
Rats carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus.
Rats chew wires, creating fire hazards, and damage stored belongings.
Rats reproduce rapidly, so delaying action can lead to a larger infestation.
If you’ve seen a rat in your garage, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. San Joaquin Pest Control in Visalia has the expertise to eliminate rodents and keep them from returning. Our comprehensive rodent control services include:
We locate entry points, nesting areas, and signs of activity.
Our team uses safe and effective methods to eliminate rats from your property.
We seal entry points and offer tips to keep your garage rodent-free.
A single rat sighting can indicate a larger issue, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact San Joaquin Pest Control in Visalia for professional, effective rodent control services. Let us help you reclaim your garage and protect your home from future infestations.