How Do Rats Get in Your House?
WouterThe first step in preventing rats from settling in your house is to ensure that no holes are left unprotected. A rat can squeeze into a hole the size of a quarter if the entrance is not sealed properly. You can do this by sealing up cracks and holes with caulk, steel wool, or cement. If the holes are large, you can also weather-strip doors to keep rats out.
You can also try humane trapping to eliminate the rat infestation. Using bait station that has dried fruits, bacon, nuts, or other tempting temptations can help trap these pests. Alternatively, you can buy traditional rat traps from a hardware store. Peppermint oil or cayenne pepper can also be used to keep rats away from holes and openings. If you are not confident enough to do it yourself, you should consult a professional pest management company to help you.
Rats will often get into your house through holes in walls, roof soffits, and vents. You should also be aware of cracks in your foundation, as these can provide entry points for the rodents. If you notice cracks in these areas, consider having them repaired.
Rats are attracted to all types of food, including discarded food and animal waste. If you keep a garden with bird feeders, you should also consider removing these sources of food. Furthermore, you should keep food stored in airtight containers and take steps to prevent them from entering your house.
