Dear Valued Client,
Thank you for entrusting Horizon Pest Control to address your Rat Infestation. Effective rat control is a detailed, strategic process, and we want you to know exactly what to expect throughout the service. Rats are highly adaptive, intelligent creatures, and successful resolution often requires time, teamwork, and consistent communication
Key Factors Considered During Treatment
Each situation is unique. Your technician evaluates multiple variables to determine the proper corrective approach, including:
- LOCATION OF ACTIVITY: Whether rats are limited to the exterior, foraging inside, living within the structure, or a combination of these.
- POPULATION SIZE: Assessing how many rats are involved.
- PROXIMITY TO THE STRUCTURE: How close rats are living or traveling relative to the building.
- ENTRY POINTS: Identifying how rats are accessing interior spaces.
- FOOD & WATER SOURCES: Determining what sustains the current population.
- ORIGIN OF RATS: Whether rats originate on the client’s property or are introduced from surrounding areas
A Strong Partnership Is Essential.
Regular communication between Horizon and our clients ensures the greatest likelihood of success.
Biological Facts About Rats
Understanding rat behavior and biology helps clarify why multiple steps—and patience—are required:
- Rats require about 1 ounce of fluid daily.
- They learn quickly and adapt to their environment.
- They are excellent climbers.
- Their teeth grow continuously, leading to persistent chewing.
- Rats can chew through metal, wood, and even concrete.
- Adult rats can weigh up to 16 ounces.
- They are nocturnal and coexist easily near human environments.
Mechanical Trapping (Interior Control)
For rats active inside a structure, we utilize mechanical traps, such as:
- Snap traps
- Glue boards
To Increase Success Rates:
- Traps are sometimes initially placed unset, allowing rats to acclimate.
- Traps are moved or “shuffled” during follow-up visits to improve effectiveness.
- Exclusion (sealing entry points) is not performed immediately, as doing so may trap rats inside or drive them into new areas.
Exterior Treatment Methods
When activity is present outdoors, Horizon employs several tools and techniques based on inspection findings:
- Tracking powder
- BurrowX machine
- Rat Ice
- Rodent baiting with approved tamper-resistant bait stations
These methods may take time to reach optimal effectiveness. Care is taken to minimize concerns such as:
- Odor from deceased rodents in inaccessible areas
- Risk of secondary or “non-target” exposure
Service Schedule
Control Service Schedule depends on the severity of the problem. If activity levels are high, we need to come out daily or weekly. If levels are low and we are primarily baiting, we can start 1-2 times per month.
Rats are fast learners and if they associate a control device with death they will avoid it.
Post-Control Measures
Once Activity Is Reduced or Eliminated:
- Entry point repairs become a key next step. Horizon’s exclusion team can inspect and seal openings that allow rats inside by request.
- An Exterior Maintenance Program is often recommended to prevent future infestations and protect long-term results.
Ongoing Communication
Rat control is not a single-step solution. It requires:
- Continued monitoring
- Modifications to habitat and harborage sites
- Adjustments in trapping and baiting
- Regular follow-up services
- A shared commitment between Horizon and the client
Clear, ongoing communication ensures that each stage of the process is effective and that the population is fully addressed.
