The hot and humid climate of Dubai is ideal for pest infestation. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to hear your neighbor shriek the dreaded three-letter word ‘rat’. These creatures can become an unwanted guest in your home. But fear not, if you haven’t seen any signs of a rat infestation so far, chances are that these pesky rodents haven’t moved in yet. We know you’d like it to stay that way, so the pest control professionals at ServiceMarket have prepared a guide for rat control in Dubai.
The Dangers of a Rat House Guest
While you may have a soft spot for mammals, a wild rat is a rodent you want to avoid crossing paths with. Wild rats have been spreading disease and death for centuries and are no less dangerous in this day and age. Weil’s disease, a serious bacterial infection, for example, can be passed on to humans from rats. Besides being a health hazard, rats destroy food and can cause fires by chewing through your electrical wiring. Unfortunately, rats are one of the most common pests found in Dubai.
Why Do Rats Move In?
Rats are always looking for a space that provides them their three essentials: food, shelter, and water. If you have an unkempt attic or yard, improperly stored food in your pantry, and a leaking faucet, chances are that a rat will move in sooner or later, especially if you live in an area of Dubai where they are commonly found. They are nimble creatures that can easily find their way inside your villa.
7 Tips for Rat Control in Dubai
Since it is much easier to prevent a rat infestation, than it is to control it, here are some steps you can take to prevent rats from getting into your house:
1. Seal Cracks and Holes with Caulk
Rats can squeeze in through tiny openings that were cut into a wall to allow plumbing pipes or utility cables into the house. You need to inspect every inch of your home for these openings and seal them with caulk or concrete.
2. Metal Grates Over the Drains
Rats are great swimmers. They can come up into your house through the plumbing. Install metal grates on all the drains in your home to prevent this from happening. Check plumbing pipes for damage regularly.
3. Block the Vents
Place a sturdy wire mesh over all the vents in your home and check them regularly for signs of damage. Rats are great at chewing their way in.
4. Don’t Allow Any Wriggle Room
Rats can crawl in under doors so screw on a door sweep or put in a door threshold. If you are more aesthetically inclined, a door threshold will look better, otherwise, a simple bristle or rubber sweep should do the job.
5. Fit Windows and Screens Tightly
You don’t want a rat to saunter in through a gap in the window. Make sure to check window screens regularly for damage.
6. Keep the Lid On
It is quite possible that you could one day walk into the bathroom, only to find a rat coming up through the toilet. Remember they are great swimmers. Make it a habit to keep the lid of the toilet seat closed to prevent such a horrifying surprise.
7. Proof the Roof
Rats can climb up the side of your house using pipes or cables. Check the roof for any damage or gaps. Close all the openings using caulk and wire meshes to prevent them from squeezing in.
Measures for Rat Control Dubai
Rats and mice multiply fast. So, it is best to take measures at first sight of any infestation.
The following are easy ways to rat trapping and controlling the situation:
Mouse Traps
Using a mouse trap is one of the oldest ways to catch these squeaky monsters. Both spring traps and glue traps are excellent for this purpose. It is safer to use the latter if you have children at home as the spring traps have a higher chance of causing injury.
Set traps under the furniture and near the walls to catch these pests. You can use peanut butter or some other food for luring rats. Check your traps every day and remove them once the rats are caught.
Mouse Repellents
Mice and rats have a sharp sense of smell that helps them find food. You can use that against them by using mouse repellents. This method does not involve the use of poisonous chemicals, which makes it safe if you have pets and children in the house.
Essential oils like clove oil and peppermint oil do wonders in repelling infesting rodents as well. Other than oils, you can use spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne peppers. Some of these mice repellents could be available in your pantry. So, you don’t have to put in a lot of effort and can do it without any stress as none of these repellents are poisonous or harmful.
Rat Poison
Another old and successful way to get rid of mice and rats is to use rat poison. Rodenticides or rat poison can kill rodents. However, this poison can also be harmful to kids and other animals. Therefore, it is advisable to take utmost care when using rat poison. It is usually better to go with less harmful methods to get rid of rats.
Hire a Professional
If none of these measures feel safe or the infestation is extensive, call an expert. Rat control professionals have the expertise and tools to handle any sort of infestation. Getting their services is the most hassle-free way to get rid of these rodents.
Has the Guest Checked in Already?
If you already saw a rat scurrying around a corner in the middle of the night, the above steps won’t be of much help. In fact, they will probably seal in the rat. While you could take away its sources of food and water by cleaning up spills, storing food properly, and fixing any leaks, there is a good chance that the rat will find a way to survive. However, as cringeworthy as it sounds, if you do spot a rat, there are probably more inhabiting your house. In such a case, get quotes for rodent control in Dubai through ServiceMarket. They will hook you up with the right service provider that will help you get rid of rats in your Dubai home.
