A rat infestation can cause a lot of damage. The presence of these rodents in a home can cause serious structural damages in addition to exposing you to various pathogens and health hazards. Taking precautions to keep these insects out of your home is preferable to trying to get rid of them once they’ve already settled in.
Everybody agrees that having a rat in the house is a bad idea. Do not even think about the diseases these filthy pests could spread; they urinate and defecate all over the place. Not only can keeping your home clean and clutter-free deter rats, but certain scents can also help keep them away for good.
Therefore, what methods can be used to deter rodents from a home? To prevent rodent infestation, one must take measures such as closing off any potential entry points, storing food in airtight containers, keeping the yard free of debris, keeping trash cans tightly sealed, and setting traps. Preventing rats from entering the house can also be done with homemade deterrents or by adopting rat predators, both of which are effective, though temporary solutions.
If you find evidence of rodents in your home, there are some easy measures you can take to prevent a full infestation and get rid of the problem for good:
1. Closing the Cracks
Wire wool, metal kick plates, or cement are all effective ways to prevent rats from entering your home through the exterior. They can also get in through broken drains, so it’s important to keep those in good working order, too. Pest control professionals can inspect the area and give you advice on how to prevent rodents from entering your home if you are unsure how they could be getting in.
2. Clean up and organize
Reduce the amount of stuff on the floor and along the walls so you can see what’s behind furniture. Having fewer possessions means being less concealed. Keep garbage can lids closed, and try to schedule regular drain cleanings.
3. Get rid of any possible food sources.
Dry foods should be stored in airtight containers, food should not be left out on countertops, and spills should be cleaned up immediately.
4. Find out who to talk to
In case you have a pest problem or want to make sure you never do, it’s important to know who to call. Those working on the outside are expected to be well versed in any new regulations that may affect their line of work. If you are not certain of the best way to prevent rodents in your home, it is always best to consult the experts, and pest controllers are no exception.
5. Always ensuring that trash cans are sealed
Seal off any trash cans or other areas where rodents could gain access. Remember to close trash can lids. Keep your bins where the sun doesn’t shine to lessen the rate of decomposition and the ensuing odours that attract vermin. Regularly clean out your containers also.
6. Be careful when feeding birds
Rats have a wide diet preference. It’s important to keep in mind that attracting rats to your garden by feeding the birds is counterproductive. Use a feeder basket to provide food for the birds in your garden. Try not to put out a clear amont of food at once.
7. Inspect all potential points of entry
Ensure that your house and any outbuildings are secure by inspecting potential points of entry. Fill in the spaces around pipes and under storage sheds. It only takes a tiny crack for insects to get inside your home. If your thumb fits, so can a rat.
8. Do not let your garden become a dumping ground.
Rats can be kept at bay by reducing the number of places they can hide, such as woodpiles and other debris in the garden.
What are the Signs That It’s Time to Call an Exterminator?
If it’s already too late and an infestation has taken hold, it may be time to call in the experts. Although rat poison (rodenticide) is available at most hardware stores, do-it-yourself rat control is often ineffective and even dangerous. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using rat poison and store it where it will be inaccessible to children, pets, and other wildlife.
Rats are now resistant to many common poisons. Pest management professionals usually have access to different products not on sale to the general public and can manage poison-resistant rats. They can help you keep rats from returning to your home and protect non-target species in the process.
