How Can You Get Rats in Your House?
WouterThe first clue that there may be a rodent infestation in your house comes in the form of droppings. Usually the droppings of mice are small, smooth, and pointed with ends that are 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. In contrast, those of rats are pellet-shaped, blunt at both ends, and about the size of an olive pit. They are shiny black with a gray-white tinge and are usually close to their feeding areas and runways.
Rats can cause considerable damage to your house. Not only do they spread diseases and cause health risks to those in your home, but they can also damage electrical wires and appliances. This is why experts estimate that damage from rats accounts for twenty to twenty-five percent of undetermined house fires in the U.S. every year.
To prevent rat infestation, you should try to seal cracks and gaps in your home. Rats love food left out, so you should wash all food and place it in airtight containers. Also, you should check for air tightness of your house. You should seal any cracks in floorboards, repair broken air bricks, and make sure that the house is free of debris that can attract rats.
Lastly, it is important to keep the water sources of rats clean. Whether they come from a sewage system or a sink, rats need access to water. If you have a garbage can outdoors, empty it regularly. Small leaks in water pipes can provide rats with a constant source of water. You should also take care of pet bowls and birdbaths.
