Seattle pest control company pioneers ‘rat birth control’ method

Sounds of scratching, gnawing, rustling or squeaking in your home at night could be signs of a rat infestation.

According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Old World rats breed year-round but mainly reproduce in the warmer months and right now, Washington is in peak summer.

Wesley Parker, Owner and Head of Operations at Seattle’s Parker Eco Pest Control, told KIRO Newsradio that while many people think they have a mice problem, it is most likely rats.

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According to Forbes Home, rats typically measure 6 to 9 inches in length, while mice are smaller, around 2 to 4 inches. Rats also have thicker bodies, blunt noses and scaly tails. Mice have more delicate features like pointed noses and longer tails. Another difference is that rats are cautious and tend to avoid new objects, while mice are curious and explore their surroundings more freely.

Roof rats build nests in attics, trees and overgrown shrubbery or vines. Norway rats prefer to nest at or under ground level and in the lower floors of buildings, stated WDFW’s website.

But when is it time to call Seattle pest control?

Parker told KIRO Newsradio that rodents, especially rats, can chew through wires, insulation and wood. If you notice property damage, it’s time to call pest control.

Other insects, like ants, may invade your kitchen and are also important to control. However, they are more of a nuisance pest and are a personal preference for calling pest control. Like ants, spiders are also generally a personal preference issue. Fleas often get into homes through pets, so treating pets and vacuuming are ways to combat these insects.

But rats can be tricky to get rid of. According to WDFW, if what attracts the rats isn’t removed and if areas where rats enter buildings aren’t repaired, the problem will persist.

Choosing a Seattle pest control company

There are different types of ways to tackle a rat infestation. Trapping and using poison are common methods.

However, poison should be a last resort to control surrounding populations, Parker told KIRO Newsradio. Poison accumulates up the food chain, affecting predators and scavengers. With poison, rodents die in unpredictable locations, leading to unpleasant odors and potential contamination.

Parker Eco Pest Control prides itself on offering nontoxic alternatives to rat poison.

Instead of poison, Parker Eco Pest Control prioritizes traps. Trapping allows technicians to control where rodents are caught. But to keep rats at bay, Parker Eco Pest Control professionals — or as Parker calls them, “rat detectives” — follow rodent trails and seal entry points to effectively get to the root of the problem and keep rats out.

Blocking rats from entering the home is an important step in preventing further rat infestations. (Image courtesy of Parker Eco Pest Control)

Parker Eco Pest Control assesses each situation individually. They then present factual information to clients and offer customized solutions.

Another solution safer than poison, offered by Parker Eco Pest Control, is rat birth control. This new rodent control approach makes rats infertile and helps combat the problem long term. It’s a nontoxic formula that has been available to the public for over five years, according to Parker.

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The formula can be set out where rats feed or are active. When the rats eat it, they can no longer reproduce, saving areas from further rat issues.

Parker said rat birth control is great for those dealing with an exterior rat problem. For example, neighbors who won’t address their rodent issue or take down their bird feeder, leading to rats wreaking havoc on your home. It’s also helpful for those in the restaurant business as rats often gather in alleys to eat leftover garbage.

Parker also noted that rat birth control is not harmful to other wildlife, does not harm the animal, nor are there any bad odors from dead rats. Choosing poison-free rodent control not only protects your home but contributes to a healthier environment. To learn more about safer pest control options, visit Parker Eco Pest Control’s website.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X here and email her here.