Rats can spread diseases and damage property, causing some people to hire exterminators or pay high-end prices for store bought traps. However, there are many ways that homeowners can manage to eliminate their rat problem on their own. So, here are some tips that can help you.
1. Call A Rat Removal and Proofing Service
The first thing that you should do if you are trying to get rid of a rat issue is call an experienced pest control company. They will be able to assess your situation and find out exactly where the rats are coming from, then they can take care of them for you. It’s very important that homeowners don’t try hunting or trapping the rats themselves because they can actually worsen the issue, rather than help it. If you want to get rid of rats for good, this is your best bet. The next step that you should take to get rid of a rat problem before the service arrives is to identify all points of entry into the home, as well as any possible sources for food or water where they can be coming from initially. Once you have identified this, seal them up with steel mesh to keep them from being able to get inside. Then check your home thoroughly to make sure there isn’t anything outside that could provide a food source for the rats, such as a compost pile, bird feeder or pet food dishes.
2. Inspect Your Home For Damage
House rodents are known to chew through everything from electrical wires to insulation and drywall, causing thousands or even hundreds of pounds worth of damage. For this reason, it’s very important that homeowners inspect their entire house carefully for any chewed up walls, floors, or other items that might be damaged. If you find something that looks like it has been chewed on, try repairing the item as soon as possible, patching up holes in your wall with steel mesh if necessary. Also, make sure there aren’t any holes in your foundation where rats can gain entry at all because this is another common way they get inside homes. It’s also recommended by pest control experts that homeowners cover vents leading outside with steel mesh to make sure rats can’t crawl through them.
3. Make Sure Your Garden Is Rat-Proofed Too
Once you have taken care of all of your inside rat prevention, it’s time to go outside. Rats can actually get into your home over the roof, chewing through shingles and siding. So, make sure there aren’t any shingles or siding that are bent down where they could be, providing an opening for rats to come in underneath them. It is also important to ensure that there isn’t anything around your house like compost piles or pet food dishes where they could smell something delicious and make their way onto your property. However, another thing that homeowners should take into consideration is making sure that there isn’t anything in the garden itself that could attract them, such as a water source and food sources like bird feeders. It’s also critical to repair any damage that might have been caused to your garden, removing any items that could be providing a hiding place for rats.
4. Take Care Of Your Rubbish Bins
Some people think that keeping their trash cans inside until it is scheduled for pick-up will prevent rats from getting into them, but actually it’s the opposite case. If you keep your trash outside instead of inside, there are fewer chances of an infestation happening because rodents can smell your food and will be actively trying to make their way over to get in. If you do keep your trash outdoors for a certain period of time, make sure you use lids or tight-fitting covers on all the bins to deter rodents from entering. Also avoid storing bags of lawn clippings near your home as these also provide another great place for rodents to try to set upon. This is why it’s important to make sure your outside rubbish bins are secured tightly with lids and covers. This will reduce the chances that a rodent problem will develop and make it easier for the professionals to take care of when they get there.
Rodents are known to chew up insulation, cables, and wiring around your home, which could cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. Also, be aware that rodents can crawl through even the smallest of cracks and holes, so it’s critical to deal with them as soon as possible. So, to help homeowners prevent a rat problem, this article will show you how to inspect your home for damage and make sure that your outside is free of any attractants.
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