rat dropping on the floor

5 Steps to Take When You Discover Rat Droppings?

If you’ve recently discovered rat droppings in your home or business in Vancouver, you need to act fast. Rat infestations can be serious and spread rapidly, posing potential health risks and causing property damage. Knowing how to identify rat droppings, what to do if you find mouse droppings, and taking the right steps to prevent an infestation are crucial. Here are five immediate steps to take when you see rat droppings, along with tips on how to keep your Vancouver property pest-free.

Step 1: What Does Rat Droppings Look Like?

One of the first things to do when you discover rat droppings is to identify them correctly. Rat droppings are typically about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch long, shaped like capsules or sausage-like with pointed ends. Their color can range from dark brown to black, depending on their age. They’re often found near rat nests, entry points, or food sources.

If you’re wondering, “What does rat droppings look like?” think of small, elongated pellets that are larger than mouse droppings. Mice, on the other hand, leave smaller, cylindrical droppings with blunt ends, typically around 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length.

If you’ve identified rat droppings, it’s time to take action. Left unchecked, rat infestations can grow rapidly and create significant issues in your home or business.

Step 2: What to Do If You Find Mouse Droppings

If you’ve discovered mouse droppings instead of rat droppings, you’ll still need to take quick action. Mouse droppings are typically smaller and more cylindrical in shape compared to rat droppings, often found in areas such as kitchens, pantries, or storage rooms.

Here’s what to do if you find mouse droppings in your Vancouver home:

  1. Wear gloves: Always wear gloves when handling droppings to avoid direct contact with potential bacteria and diseases.
  2. Disinfect the area: Clean and disinfect the affected area thoroughly to eliminate any harmful pathogens.
  3. Call a professional: If you’re unsure about how to handle the infestation or if it’s severe, it’s best to contact a licensed pest control company, such as Solutions Pest Control. Our professionals can quickly identify the problem and eliminate it.

Step 3: Ensure Your Safety When Handling Droppings

Handling rat droppings or mouse droppings should always be done with caution. Both types of droppings can harbor dangerous diseases, such as Leptospirosis, Salmonella, and Hantavirus. Follow these important safety steps when cleaning up droppings:

  • Wear protective gear: Always wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling particles from the droppings.
  • Avoid using a vacuum: Do not vacuum rat droppings or mouse droppings, as this can stir up harmful dust and bacteria.
  • Disinfect thoroughly: After cleaning the droppings, ensure the area is thoroughly disinfected with an appropriate disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria.

Step 4: Inspect the Area for Signs of Rodent Activity

Once you’ve safely cleaned up the droppings, the next step is to conduct a thorough inspection of your property. Look for the following signs of rodent activity:

  • Gnaw marks on walls, furniture, or wires.
  • Smeared marks on surfaces where rats travel, as their fur may leave behind oily marks.
  • Nests made of shredded paper, insulation, or fabric are hidden in quiet, secluded areas.
  • Tracks or footprints in dusty areas.

In Vancouver, rats and mice are commonly found in areas like attics, crawl spaces, garages, and behind walls in older buildings. Identifying these areas early on can help you stop the infestation from spreading.

Step 5: Call a Professional Vancouver Exterminator

The best way to ensure that a rat infestation is properly dealt with is to call a professional exterminator Vancouver. At Solutions Pest Control, we offer expert rodent control services to address rat and mouse problems effectively.

  • Customized Solutions: We create tailored treatment plans based on the extent of the infestation.
  • Safe and Eco-Friendly Methods: We employ safe, environmentally friendly methods to address rodent problems, ensuring the protection of your family, pets, and the environment.
  • Follow-Up Services: After treatment, we will follow up to make sure the problem is resolved and take preventive measures to keep rats and mice away for good.

Real Customer Story: Rodent Control Success in Vancouver

At Solutions Pest Control, we are committed to delivering exceptional pest management services in Vancouver. Here’s a recent story from one of our satisfied clients, Ruth Comisarow:

“Kyle has been very diligent in dealing with our mouse infestation in the garage, as well as other garden pests we have had. I would definitely recommend Solutions Pest Control to my friends who require this service.”
Ruth Comisarow

This success story showcases our dedication to delivering prompt, reliable, and effective rodent control services in Vancouver. Whether it’s mouse droppings in your garage or rat droppings in your attic, we’re here to help!

Why Choose Solutions Pest Control in Vancouver?

If you’ve discovered rat droppings or mouse droppings, Solutions Pest Control offers a range of pest control Vancouver services to address the issue quickly and efficiently.

  • Licensed & Insured: Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and certified to handle any problem of pest control in Vancouver.
  • Eco-Friendly Solutions: We use safe methods for rodent control that protect both your home and the environment.
  • Guaranteed Results: We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that your rodent problem is resolved.

If you’re dealing with rats, mice, or any other pest issues, contact us or schedule an inspection today!

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