If you live in Marietta, Atlanta, odds are you’re familiar with the challenges of older homes. While their charm and character are undeniable, older homes can come with a unique set of issues—including their susceptibility to rat infestations. Rats are notorious for finding their way into cozy spaces, taking advantage of structural vulnerabilities often present in aging houses. 

At Skedaddle Wildlife Control, we specialize in keeping homes rodent-free with humane and effective methods. Here, we’ll explore how you can protect your home from rats and why starting with professional help is your safest bet.

Why Are Rats Common in Marietta?

Marietta is an appealing area for rats, especially in neighborhoods lined with historic homes and mature landscaping. The area’s older sewer systems, proximity to wooded parks, and bustling urban hubs create the perfect environment for these pests to thrive. Areas like Downtown Marietta and neighborhoods near Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park tend to see increased rat activity. This is largely because dense greenery, overflowing trash bins, and available food sources attract rats looking for both sustenance and shelter. And once cooler weather sets in, they look for more permanent homes—in your attic, crawl space, or walls.

The Risks of Having Rats in the Home

Rats don’t just make an unwelcome racket; they put your household’s safety and cleanliness at risk. These rodents can chew through wiring, increasing the risk of electrical fires. They also carry diseases, and their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces or air quality. What makes them particularly tricky is their ability to squeeze into seemingly impossible spaces like cracks, vents, or gaps around windows. Once inside, they multiply fast, making it crucial to address the issue early.

Rat-Proofing Older Homes

Given that older homes generally have wear and tear such as crumbling mortar or tiny foundation gaps, they can be far more inviting to rats than newer builds. Properly securing your home takes a bit of preparation. Here’s how you can help rat-proof your property:

Common Entry Points to Address

• Rooflines and eaves: Rats are excellent climbers and will use overhanging branches or roof access points to get in.
• Foundations: Cracks in brick or concrete provide perfect entryways.
• Vents and openings: Unsecured air vents, chimneys, and pipes are frequently exploited.
• Doors and windows: Gaps under doors or around windows can be an easy way in.

Steps to Take

• Seal cracks and holes with durable materials like steel wool or heavy-duty caulking.
• Trim tree branches that hang near your roof to limit access.
• Install tight-fitting door sweeps on exterior doors.
• Check vents and pipes for proper seals, and if necessary, cover with mesh that’s sturdy enough to withstand rodent gnawing.

These interventions can make your home significantly less inviting to rats. However, once rats are inside, simply sealing their entry points won’t resolve the issue without humanely encouraging their departure. That’s where our professional services come in.

Why DIY Wildlife Removal Isn’t Safe

A rat infestation isn’t a do-it-yourself project, no matter how many online tips or tutorials you may come across. Attempting to handle it yourself poses risks not only to your health but also to the safety of your home.

For one, removing rats without proper knowledge or tools could lead to injuries, exposure to diseases, or accidental damage to your property. Furthermore, many DIY methods fail to address the root of the problem. Patching one hole won’t help if rats simply find another way in. Removing or handling wildlife improperly can also cause significant stress to the animals and may even violate local laws.

Wildlife control isn’t about quick fixes; it requires strategy and a deep understanding of how pests behave. When you partner with a professional service like Skedaddle, you’re ensuring the problem gets resolved safely, efficiently, and with permanent preventative measures in place.

How Skedaddle Wildlife Control Can Help

At Skedaddle, we believe in addressing wildlife issues in humane and effective ways. Rats may be invasive, but they’re still living beings, and they deserve careful treatment. That’s why we’ve developed specialized methods to eliminate infestations without causing harm to the animals.

Our team uses one-way doors, a highly-effective tool that lets rats leave your home while preventing them from re-entering. Think of these doors as a humane exit plan for the rodents. Once we’ve installed the one-way devices, we’ll inspect and seal off all potential entry points to ensure the rats can’t regain access. This two-step system not only rids your home of rats but also protects against future issues.

What makes our approach unique is how thorough we are—we don’t cut corners. After assessing your home inside and out, we’ll provide you with clear next steps and fortify your property to ensure long-term peace of mind.

Ongoing Prevention for City Living

Living in a busy area like Marietta means staying proactive about potential infestations. Rats are highly adaptable and can sneak into your home even after you’ve taken preventive measures. Here are a few actionable tips to help maintain your rat-free sanctuary:

• Keep your yard tidy by removing fallen fruits or compost from outdoor spaces.
• Ensure all outdoor garbage bins are secured with tight-fitting lids.
• Store pet food and birdseed in thick, sealed containers.
• Regularly inspect your home’s exterior, checking for new gaps or damage.

At Skedaddle, we also offer follow-up inspections and advice on maintaining a rodent-free home. Our team is here to help, whether it’s your first infestation or you want a proactive consultation to keep your home secure.

Why You Can Trust Skedaddle

Marietta is a bustling city with a dynamic mix of urban and historic charm, but with it comes challenges like rodents seeking shelter in our homes. If you’ve noticed scratching noises, droppings, or other evidence of rats, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at Skedaddle Wildlife Control. Our years of experience, dedication to humane practices, and commitment to long-term solutions make us the clear choice for homeowners in the area.

Whether it’s installing one-way doors, sealing entry points, or simply giving you the peace of mind that your home is secured, we’re here to help protect your home from rats. Give us a call today, and together, we’ll ensure your home remains safe, clean, and rodent-free.