We’ve had a cold and wet winter, and the rats are doing everything they can to get into your home. That is why this is a great time to have your trees cut back so you can save yourself a lot of headaches and money this year.
In Orange County, our number one rodent pest is the “roof rat”. These rats originated in the jungles of South East Asia and they are great climbers. So, if you have a tree next to the house, it won’t take much effort for them to get in your home’s attic.
Having rats in your attic can cause many problems because they can do a lot of expensive damage to your home’s heating system, attic insulation, and electrical wiring. These rodents are also known to spread diseases, such as Rat-borne Hepatitis E virus, Salmonella, Rat Bite Fever, and Plague.
Rats sometimes die in attics. If you’ve ever experienced the horrible stench of a dead rat, you’ll know why some people wind up moving into a hotel for a few days to avoid it.
The good news is that many rodent problems can be avoided by simply cutting back the trees next to your home. The Orange County Vector Control Department recommends that tree branches should be cut back at least four-feet away from your roof, with no branches hanging over. While you’re at it, make sure that shrubs and vines are trimmed off several feet below the roof.
Have a rat problem at your home or business and need help with it? Call us at (949) 631-7348 and we’ll be happy to assist.
