No one wants to deal with a single rat, let alone an entire colony!

If you’ve found a rat’s nest anywhere on your property, it might seem like the most sensible thing to remove it immediately. But we, as pest control professionals, don’t recommend that. It’s almost like opening Pandora’s box.

Why? Let’s explore this unsettling situation in detail.

Experts in Adaptability

Well-known extreme-condition survivors, rats can live in a variety of environments. They quickly adjust to urban settings, and they can eat rubbish and hide in the tiniest of spaces.

Just know that you’re dealing with highly intelligent animals that know how to make themselves comfortable anywhere.

Rats usually build their nests in warm, undisturbed places near food supplies, often in attics, basements, wall cavities, or even under floorboards.

Nests built from shredded paper, insulation, or cloth provide a secure environment for nurturing their offspring. Just a couple of rats can rapidly develop into a colony due to the prolific reproductive habits of these rodents.

The Immediate Effects of Disturbing a Nest

Disturbing their nest causes a defensive reaction as it compromises their safety and that of their young. You can expect them to be startled, but they’ll quickly run away in different directions.

If you think scattering the rats will solve the problem, think again. These intelligent animals won’t disappear just because their first nest is gone. They’ll find new hiding places within your home, making it even harder for you to locate them.

The reality is that disrupting the nest makes things worse as it causes the rats to disperse and form several small nests around your house. Plus, they’ll be on the lookout.

Some rat colony members, especially those looking after their young, can turn hostile if they feel threatened. This raises the chance of biting and scratching, which can cause infections on top of other medical problems.

Diseases and Parasites

The health risks involved are among the most worrying features of a rat infestation. Disturbing a rat’s nest unintentionally raises your chance of coming into contact with dangerous pathogens.

Rat nests sometimes include dust, hair, and droppings that, when moved, can become airborne.

Along with respiratory issues, these particles can spread viruses or bacteria. Common diseases they carry are salmonella, hantavirus, and leptospirosis.

Disturbing their nests also increases the possibility of transmitting these diseases, as terrified rats can urinate and defecate.

Moreover, individuals as well as pets run the risk of picking up ‌parasites carried by rats, such as fleas, ticks, and mites.

High Infestation Risk

While it seems perfectly logical to assume that removing the nest would send the rats packing, in reality, it’s more like offering them a property upgrade with a new view.

Rats rarely leave an area entirely just because their nest has been disturbed. Instead, they’re likely to search for new nesting spots nearby, allowing the infestation to spread.

This is especially problematic with a large rat colony. One nest quickly turns into multiple smaller nests, making eradication more difficult.

Rats often relocate to hard-to-reach areas like under floorboards or inside walls, complicating removal efforts.

Additionally, rats reproduce quickly. Disturbing a nest causes the remaining rats to breed even faster, making the infestation worse than before. Professional help is almost always necessary to fully address the problem.

Damage to Structures and Fire Risk

Famous chewers, rats nibble on everything from plastic to wood and even cables. Since rats wander in search of available shelter, disturbing a rat’s nest raises structural damage risk.

One of the most dangerous outcomes of a disturbed rat nest is ‌increased fire risk. Rats often chew on electrical wires, and a disrupted nest causes them to explore new areas where they encounter more wiring.

This behaviour exposes wires and leads to electrical fires. If you’re already dealing with a rat infestation, disturbing their nest significantly increases this risk.

What Should You Do Instead?

Your first instinct upon discovering a rat’s nest can be to handle it yourself, but this backfires beyond expectations. Hence, it’s much safer and more effective to contact reliable rat control services rather than disturb the nest.

These experts are trained in implementing safe methods of rat removal. They can assess the extent of the infestation, locate hidden nests, and deal with the problem without causing further damage or health risks.

A specialist will also help you identify the underlying cause of the rat problem and implement strategies to prevent future infestations.

This involves sealing entry points, removing food sources, and advising on how to protect your home from these stubborn invaders.

Preventing Future Infestations

Once you’ve dealt with a rat problem, the last thing you want is for it to return. Prevention is key, and there are several steps you can take to stop another infestation.

First, secure your home against potential entry points. Rodents can squeeze through extremely small spaces, so make sure your residence is sealed from all the holes, cracks, and gaps.

Another important preventive measure is cleaning and removing easily available food sources from your residence. Thus, close bins, preserve food in airtight containers, and immediately wipe spills and crumbs.

Rodents are quite opportunistic, so restricting their food availability makes your property less appealing. Finally, carry out proactive routine inspections, especially in basements, attics, and garages.

When you see signs of rat activity early on, such as droppings or gnaw marks, you can take action before the situation worsens.

Conclusion

Dealing with a rat issue can be quite awful. It’s like finding an unwelcome guest who has not only moved in but is now renovating.

Even if there’s a great desire to handle it yourself, disrupting a rat’s nest just makes the situation worse. Imagine it as poking a hornet’s nest but with fur and questionable cleanliness standards.

The consequences are terrible, ranging from the spread of disease to an increased risk of fire. Therefore, getting guidance from experts who can manage the problem safely and efficiently is the best line of action.