How Can I Keep My Home Protected Against Rats?

Posted by MyKSA on December 19th, 2020

Who loves to have uninvited guests at their homes? Of course, nobody likes them. And we are not talking about your in-laws. Shocking, right?

We are talking about rodents, specifically rats. These rodents thrive in our dwellings. That is because rats require shelter, water, and food to survive. You can get rid of them by hiring rats extermination Surrey services.

Rats will wreak havoc in our homes and cause several problems if you aren’t following preventative measures at the right time. The rats are carriers of diseases and they can contaminate the food storage and other areas in your house. 

Also, they can damage your property as they gnaw on wires that can increase the risk of fires. 

Now that you know how dangerous rats can be, here are some of the best ways to keep your house rat-proof. 

Stop Leaving Food For Them 

We know nobody leaves food for them on purpose. You must know that rats are resourceful; they will find something to eat around your house. That is why you have to be extremely diligent. Make sure you cover the garbage cans properly. 

If you have a garden, pick the produce as quickly as it ripens. Ensure there is no compost vegetables and fruits on the ground. In case you have pets, feed them during the day and don’t leave any food or water lying around. Avoid storing pet food outside unless you are sure it is a rodent-proof container. 

Leave No Point of Entry Unsealed

To block the entry of rats in your house, make sure you have sealed all possible entry points for rats. It means you must seal all the holes in the interior and exterior of the house on both floors and walls. 

Keep in mind if the rats get their head into a hole, they will squeeze their body through it. Also, the rats are capable of gnawing on a hole and turning it into a huge one. We advise sealing the holes using steel wool, plaster, cement, caulk, or hardware cloth. 

Don’t Leave Anything for the Rats 

These hideous and unappealing rodents are very clever. They can get into your house by climbing on things. That is why it is crucial to place plastic sheeting on pipes or tree guards on tree trunks. You must remove vines from your walls and even trim the branches. 

Clean Your Yard

As mentioned above, don’t leave anything in the yard. Get rid of clutter, garbage, and debris from your yard. If you want to plant bushes, do it three inches away from your house. It is because these provide access to rodents. Since rats are not Olympians, they are unable to bridge the gap. 

Get Rid of Moisture Sites

Moist attract rodents and pests. You should make sure there are no moisture sites such as clogged drains or leaking pipes. After that, you must keep basements, crawl spaces, and attic dry and ventilated. 

Keep Your House Clean 

Do you know what attracts rodents? Yes, food and shelter. When you keep your house clean and pristine, rats will not have a reason to invade your home. It is imperative to sanitize your house from both inside and outside. 

Indoors 

You must sanitize the countertops in the kitchen and leave no food or water outside. Properly clean crumb areas regularly like under stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerators. 

Outdoors

Mow the lawn frequently. If you store firewood, make sure it is away from the house and above ground. Besides this, you must pick up the dropped seeds from the bird feeders. 

Consult Professionals 

In case you suspect there is a rat infestation in your house, you can always call pest control experts who specialize in rat extermination. Avoid doing it yourself as you don’t have the tools, experience, or knowledge. Though rats might seem harmless, they are extremely dangerous. So, it is better to get help from professionals. They will even guide you on how to prevent invasion from rats. 

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, the best way to protect your house against rats and other rodents is to keep them out. Rats are nasty little creatures that can make your house a mess. Not only do they harbor diseases, but they also destroy your house and contaminate your food. We hope these tips will help keep your home safe from rats.