How Can Rats Break Through Ceilings?
Rats are able to chew through various materials, including ceilings, walls, and drywall. These rodents are known for their sharp front teeth, which allow them to easily chew through materials. When they notice a food source, rats will often try to access it. Fortunately, these animals are not harmful to the structure of your home, but you should still be cautious of their presence.
Rats are nocturnal creatures, and they spend the day sleeping in your attic. These nocturnal rodents can chew through soft walls in a matter of hours. Wooden walls, which are common in homes, can’t stop a rat for very long. Nonetheless, it may take a few days for rats to chew through a thick wooden ceiling.
The best way to stop mice from chewing through your ceiling is to install traps and keep your house clean. Place snap traps along mouse trails and ceiling joists. Make sure to place the baited ends facing each other, so that the mice cannot move from one end of the trap to the other. If the rats are already inside, you can use natural rodent repellents to keep them away. Peppermint oil, chili powder, eucalyptus, and citronella are known deterrents. You can also use chemical smells, which are very effective in keeping mice away.
If you’ve noticed any chewing noises in the ceiling, you need to call a pest control professional immediately. Although it may be hard to detect, these sounds may signal the presence of rats. Rats can be very discreet and can easily sneak into your house. This is because they chew a half-inch hole in the ceiling, close to the wall.