Palms are amongst the best drought-tolerant trees in California. Many varieties will survive the state’s extreme heat, but this does not mean that they are spared from problems. There are several things to watch out for, including palm tree rats. They seek shelter in the palm fronds to hide from humans.
It is important to learn how to get rid of palm rats. Without proper intervention, these rodents will not just damage trees, but they can also gnaw electrical wires, tear up insulation, and contaminate food. Not to mention, they are also carriers of health problems.
Related Posts: Palm Tree Care & Palm Tree Trimming
How to Get Rid of Palm Rats Successfully
Say goodbye to palm tree rats! Below are some of the most important things to do!
1. Starve Them
Eliminate potential food sources. Citrus fruits are amongst the most common. Pick them once they are ripe and do not leave them on the ground. Do not leave pet food uncovered. Pick up dog feces as palm rats can eat them. Limit using birdfeeders or do not add more bird seeds than necessary. Indoors, keep the food contained. Cover garbage using tight-fitting lids.
2. Seal Your Home
Prevent palm rats from entering your home by making sure that there are no tiny spaces where they can fit. They can enter in small openings, so take the time to seal crevices and cracks. Add screen on sewer stacks and cover holes in the exterior wall. Keep doors and windows closed so that there is no opportunity for rats to enter your home.
3. Prune Regularly
Palm rats stay on the top of palm trees where they can hide. Regular tree trimming California will keep trees neat and prevent them from being a hiding spot for rats. Plus, when the tree is trimmed, it will be more difficult for rats to move from one tree to another. This is also a great way to prevent other common pests and diseases.
Related Post: Palm Tree Diseases
4. Keep the Garden Clean
By keeping the garden clean, you are making the environment around your house less ideal for the palm rats. A well-manicured landscape will minimize their feeding grounds and hiding spots. Rake fallen fruits and leaves. Get rid of tree branches and fruits on the ground, especially citrus.
5. Use Traps and Baits
Avoid using those that contain poison, especially when you have pets. A wooden snap trap is one of the most economical and effective options. Add dried fruit, bacon, cheese, or peanut butter as bait to make the traps more effective. Use multiple traps positioned ten to 20 feet apart.
6. Space Your Trees
This is a good preventive measure to limit the movements of rats in the crown or places where they are hard to spot. For mature trees, it might be a good idea to uproot and transplant in such a way that there is enough space between them. In this case, professional tree removal California is needed to protect the trees and ensure proper uprooting.
7. Contact a Pest Control Company
If you feel like you have done everything possible, but none seemed to have worked, the best alternative is to get in touch with the experts. A pest control company can execute different intervention measures to control the current population and prevent palm rats from causing future infestation. They have the right tools to help get rid of palm tree rats.
FAQs
Q: How do you keep palm rats away?
A: To keep palm rats away, get rid of dead palm fronds and clear the garden of debris, including fallen fruits. Cover garbage bins and eliminate any potential food source. Seal your home to prevent the rats from entering open spaces.
Q: Are palm rats dangerous?
A: Yes, palm rats are dangerous. Aside from property destruction, their constant gnawing damages wires and cause fires. Infected palm rats can also spread infections through their saliva, droppings, and urine.
Local Tree Experts Overview
From eliminating food sources to regular tree pruning, the things mentioned above are some of the most effective solutions on how to get rid of palm rats! Doing these will not only save your plants but will also protect your home from eventual damage and keep everyone safe!
