While it can be challenging to know if you have a rat living in your walls, attic, or basement, you must stay on the lookout and act quickly if one's present. Even just one rat can cause a great deal of damage to your home, so call in pest control as soon as possible to avoid the following.

What Types of Damage Do Rats Cause?

1. Health

When rats are in your home, you may notice their droppings in your living spaces. Unfortunately, if the rats are on your countertops or get into your food, you open up the door to rodent-borne diseases. Many diseases can be transmitted by rodents, including the plague, rat-bite fever, and salmonellosis, so call in professional pest control services to keep your family healthy.

2. Structural

Rats build their nests in walls, attics, and other insulated areas, which can cause stability issues. They also might chew holes in your home that allow other pests in, resulting in even more damage.

3. Electrical

Rats love to chew. Since their teeth never stop growing, they need to file them down by gnawing continuously. However, if they choose to use your electrical wiring for this purpose, they can cause serious problems. In fact, it’s estimated that rodents are responsible for 20 to 25% of all household fires that have no known cause.

4. Sentimental

Rats like to hang out in basements and attics, which is where many people keep their family heirlooms and photos. These critters can easily damage priceless items that can't be repaired, so make sure you store your belongings safely in sealed plastic containers and call a pest control specialist if you think you may have a problem.

If you think you have rats in your home, Acme Pest Control Co in Concord, NC, can help you get rid of them. With over 70 years of experience serving the Concord and Charlotte areas, they put customers first and will work to understand your situation fully before they begin their services. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help, or call (704) 786-4166 for a free estimate.