While homeowners often love to entertain, welcoming rodents and pests into the home is unwelcomed and potentially harmful. Rats, in particular, can carry diseases and bring unsanitary germs into the house, which can impact your and your family’s health.
Keeping rats out of your home can take time and patience, depending on the severity of the infestation. Thankfully, there are five safe ways to prevent rats from entering and staying in your home.
Using Live Traps
Rats and small rodents have a natural tendency to seek out small holes and entry points in homes or buildings. The purpose of a live trap is to use that instinct to a homeowner’s advantage. Live traps are designed to entice the rat inside and prevent them from escaping — this is often done through a mechanism set off by touch. It swiftly closes when the rat enters, and the rat cannot get out until it’s released.
This tool is acceptable if you’ve experienced a single rat here or there. If the problem persists or notices a larger rodent family, you may need to obtain several rat exterminator cost estimates from the professionals.
Seal the Cracks and Gaps
Foundational or plumbing cracks are common in older homes, and if left untreated, can act as entry points for rats and other rodents. Identifying potential entry points can stop rats from entering your home before they can nest and create more significant problems.
Depending on the spaces you need to secure, you could use anything from wire wool to caulk, metal kick plates or potentially cement. If you have open drainage, this is a standard route for rats and smaller rodents. You’ll need to ensure you’re regularly inspecting your plumbing for vulnerabilities — if the problem is more severe than you’re able to handle, you’ll likely need to call for professional services.
Wipe Away Leftover Crumbs & Spills
Rodents are always on the hunt for food, water, and shelter — and without proper protection and maintenance, your home could be one of their destinations. One of the simplest ways you can deter wildlife from entering your home is to keep it as clean as possible. This means sweeping and mopping your kitchen floor regularly, keeping it free of food crumbs or spills.
Keep Your Home Clutter-Free
The process of de-cluttering your home can serve multiple purposes, including rodent prevention. In many cases, the more clutter you have in your home, the more hiding and nesting places you’re providing outside rats and small rodents. If you have furniture against the wall, try to ensure there is little to no space between the object and the wall, so rats cannot fit behind.
Keeping as many items off the floor as possible keeps your sightlines open, allowing you to have better visibility and identify any potential entry points in your home.
Closing Garbage Bins
Open or exposed garbage is one of the fastest ways to attract rats and other wildlife to your home. If you have bins in the exterior of your home, ensure lids are sealed — whether you choose to use a bungee cord or a heavy object like a cinderblock. If possible, keep them away from direct sunlight – which will contribute to poignant smells that will definitely attract pests!
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