Rat Pest Control Services in San Jose
Protect Your Home or Business from Rodents with Killroy Pest Control
Are you facing a rat problem at your San Jose property? You’re not alone. Rats are not only a nuisance, they can spread diseases and cause property damage. At Killroy Pest Control, we can help you get rid of rats and prevent future infestations. We’re family-owned and have been serving theSouth San Francisco Bay Area since 1956. At Killroy, we offer a variety of pest control services, including rat control, to both residential and commercial customers.
What Are Rats?
Rats are a of medium-sized, long-tailed rodent found throughout the order Rodentia. They are typically distinguished from mice by their larger size. Rats originated in Asia and Australia but are now found all over the world. “True rats” are members of the genus Rattus, but other rodent genera are also called rats, such as the kangaroo rats in North America. They have pointed heads, large eyes, and prominent, thinly furred ears, with moderately long legs and long, sharp claws.
Why Are Rats a Problem?
Rats can be a significant problem for homes and businesses. They can cause damage, contaminate food, and carry diseases.. Rats can chew through walls, insulation, and electrical wiring, which can lead to fires or other electrical problems. They can also contaminate food supplies by urinating and defecating in them, posing a health risk to humans and pets. Rats can carry diseases, such as salmonella and leptospirosis, so it is important to address a rat problem ASAP.
Common Rats in the California Bay Area
Norway rats and roof rats are two common rat species found in San Jose. Norway rats are brown or gray and can grow up to 10 inches long, while roof rats are smaller with darker fur. Both species can enter through small holes or cracks and are known to cause damage to electrical wiring, insulation, and other structures.
Norway Rats
How do I tell If I have Norway Rats?
Norway rats are large rodents, with adults typically weighing between 200 to 500 grams and measuring over 40 cm from nose to tail. They have bristly brown fur that is often darker on the back and lighter on the underside, and their tails are shorter than the length of their head and body.
Look for the presence of burrows around your property. Norway rats are known to dig holes in lawns and gardens to create their nests. These burrows can be identified by their size and shape, which can vary depending on the size of the rat colony.
You may also notice grease stains or chew marks on food or utility lines. Norway rats have a tendency to gnaw on objects in order to keep their teeth sharp and to gain access to food sources. Additionally, they may leave capsule-shaped droppings along their frequently traveled pathways.
Roof Rats
How do I tell If I have Roof Rats?
Roof rats can be identified by their brown or black color and long tails, which are typically longer than their body. They tend to be darker and slightly smaller than their more common cousins.
One sign is droppings. Roof rat droppings are smaller than those of Norway rats, measuring about 0.5 inches in length with pointed ends. These droppings can be found in areas where the rats are active, such as in attics, walls, or other hiding places.
Listen for gnawing or scratching noises in the attic or walls. Roof rats have a tendency to gnaw on objects in order to keep their teeth sharp and to gain access to food. Additionally, look for gnaw marks around your home’s roof or eaves.
Signs of a Rat Infestation
If you suspect a rat infestation in your property, some signs to look out for include:
- Rat droppings
- Gnaw marks on wires, insulation, or other structures
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceilings
- Nests made of shredded materials like paper or fabric
- Grease marks on walls or floors
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to act quickly and hire a professional pest control service.
Why Hire Killroy Pest Control?
There are several reasons why you should hire Killroy Pest Control for rat control services in San Jose, CA, including:
Experience: Killroy Pest Control has been in business for over 65 years, and their professionals are trained to handle all types of pest infestations, including rats.
Eco-friendly: We use eco-friendly and safe methods to get rid of rats, ensuring the safety of your family and pets.
Certified professionals: The Killroy Pest Control team are certified and licensed professionals ready to provide the best pest control services in the area.
Call Killroy Pest Control
You may notice rat droppings, gnaw marks on food packages or wires, and hear scratching or scurrying noises in walls or ceilings.
Seal any gaps or holes in walls or floors, keep food in tightly sealed containers, and remove any sources of standing water.
Yes, rats can spread diseases such as salmonella and hantavirus, and their droppings and urine can contaminate food.
The length of time can vary depending on the severity of the infestation and the control methods. A professional pest control service can provide a timeline after an inspection.
Professional pest control services use safe and approved methods that are pet and child-friendly. However, it is important to follow any instructions provided by the pest control technician.
Wear gloves and dispose of the rat in a sealed plastic bag. Sanitize the area where the rat was found to prevent the spread of disease then contact a professional.
Contact a professional pest control service immediately to schedule an inspection and treatment.
The Rat Control Process
When you hire Killroy Pest Control for rat pest control services, our technicians will follow a comprehensive process to eliminate the infestation and prevent future problems. Here are the steps we typically take:
- Inspection: Killroy Pest Control's professionals will inspect your property to identify the type of rat infestation and the areas of entry.
- Exclusion: We will seal off entry points and prevent rats from entering your property.
- Trapping: They will set up traps to capture rats and remove them from your property.
- Clean-up: Killroy Pest Control will clean up the affected areas and disinfect them to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Prevention: They will provide recommendations to prevent future rat infestations in your property.
