Michigan Residents Face Growing Rat Infestation Threat

Rats are becoming an increasingly common problem for Michigan residents, with several cities ranking among the most infested in the country.

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Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Flint have all been named as having some of the worst rat infestations nationwide.

The Norway rat is the most prevalent species in Michigan.

These rodents can grow up to 18 inches long including their tail and weigh nearly a pound.

They are excellent climbers, jumpers, and swimmers, making it easy for them to access homes and businesses in search of food and shelter.

Rats are attracted to areas with abundant food sources and places to nest.

Improperly stored garbage, pet food left outdoors, bird feeders, and overgrown vegetation provide ideal conditions for rats to thrive.

They leave tell-tale signs of their presence, including droppings, gnaw marks, dark grease stains along walls, and noises coming from walls or attics.

Beyond being a nuisance, rats pose serious health risks.

They can spread diseases like salmonella and hantavirus through their urine, droppings, and bites.

Rats also cause extensive property damage by chewing through walls, wires, and pipes.

To prevent rat infestations, Michigan residents should:

• Store food in sealed containers and regularly clean up crumbs and spills
• Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids and bring cans out close to pickup time
• Maintain landscaping by keeping grass short, removing dense bushes, and stacking firewood off the ground
• Seal cracks and holes on the exterior of the home to block entry points
• Set out humane traps at the first sign of rats and contact a professional exterminator for severe infestations

Taking these steps should hopefully keep rats out of you home.

If they still find a way in then it's time to call in the experts to handle the problem.