Guide to Keeping Rats Out of Your House

About Rats

Rats are rodents that are commonly found worldwide. They are typically around 5 to 10 inches long, excluding their tails, and can be brown, black, or grey. They are known for their sharp teeth, which continuously grow and require constant gnawing to keep them worn down, and their long naked tail.  The two most common rats homeowners and property managers deal with are the Norway rat and the roof rat.

Habitats

Rats thrive in environments where they have access to food, water, and shelter. They are highly adaptable and can live in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Common nesting sites include attics, basements, walls, and underdecks.

Diet

Rats are omnivores and scavengers, eating almost anything available, including garbage, pet food, and even small animals. This makes human habitats particularly attractive to them.

Behavior

Rats are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden during the day. They are excellent climbers and can gain access to homes through small openings and cracks.

Signs of Rat Infestations

Identifying a rat infestation early can prevent significant damage and health risks.

1. Unusual Noises

Rats are active at night, so you may hear scratching, squeaking, or scurrying noises in walls, attics, or under floors.

2. Droppings

Rat droppings are dark, cylindrical, and about the size of a Tik Tak. Finding these in your home, especially near food sources or nesting areas, is a clear sign of an infestation.  Ensure you inspect your attic and crawlspace/basement for droppings.

3. Gnaw Marks

Rats need to gnaw continuously to keep their teeth from growing too long. Look for gnaw marks on furniture, walls, and food packaging.  

4. Grease Marks

Rats leave greasy marks from their fur along walls and surfaces where they frequently travel.  The grease marks are more prominent the more often frequent and travel.  If you are going to try and trap the rats ensure you place the traps in areas with the most staining. 

5. Nests

Rats build nests from shredded materials like paper, fabric, and insulation. These nests are often found in hidden, undisturbed areas of your home.

Why Are Rats Dangerous?

Rats pose several risks to humans and properties.

Health Risks

Rats are known carriers of numerous diseases, including:

• Hantavirus: Transmitted through inhalation of dust contaminated with rat droppings.
• Leptospirosis: Spread through contact with rat urine, potentially causing severe illness.
• Salmonella: Rats can contaminate food and surfaces with this bacteria, leading to food poisoning.

Property Damage

Rats can cause extensive damage to homes by gnawing on electrical wires, which can lead to fires, damaging insulation, and structural elements, and contaminating stored food.

Rat Infestations

Rats reproduce quickly, and a small infestation can escalate rapidly. A single pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring in a year.

Why Are Rats in Your Home?

Understanding why rats invade homes is crucial to preventing infestations.

Food Sources

Rats are attracted to easily accessible food. Unsecured garbage, pet food, and improperly stored human food can draw them in.

Water Sources

Rats need water to survive. Leaky pipes, pet water dishes, and birdbaths can provide them with the necessary hydration.

Shelter

Rats seek shelter in warm, undisturbed places. Cluttered attics, basements, and storage areas provide ideal nesting sites.

How to Keep Rats Away

1. Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for gaps and cracks larger than a quarter-inch and seal them with materials like steel wool, caulk, or cement.  Rats can squeeze through a hole as small as 3/4″ x 1/2″.  Gaps are often found under doors, where the foundation and siding of the home meet, and around HVAC lines.

2. Eliminate Food Sources

Store food in airtight containers, clean up spills promptly, and secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.  If you have pets do not leave their food out overnight.  

3. Remove Clutter

Keep your home and yard tidy. Remove piles of debris, and store firewood at least 20 feet from your house.

4. Trim Vegetation

Keep shrubs and trees trimmed back at least four feet from your house to prevent rats from using them as bridges to your roof.

5. Set Traps 

Use snap traps inside your home and place them along walls where rats travel.  Traps should be monitored daily and bait should be refreshed often.  Rats like a variety of baits from peanut butter to bacon fat.

6. Use Natural Repellents

Peppermint oil and ammonia can repel rats. Soak cotton balls in these substances and place them near entry points and nesting areas.

7. Secure Outdoor Areas

Eliminate standing water, keep bird feeders away from the house, and ensure compost bins are rodent-proof.

8. Professional Help

For persistent infestations, professional pest control services are the most effective solution. Freedom Wildlife Solutions & Pest Control offers comprehensive rat control services to eliminate and prevent infestations.

Professional Help to Get Rid of Rats and Keep Them Out

Inspection

Our technicians conduct thorough inspections to identify entry points, nesting sites, and the extent of the infestation.

Customized Treatment Plans

We develop tailored treatment plans that include trapping, baiting, and exclusion methods to eliminate rats effectively.

Ongoing Maintenance

Regular maintenance visits help ensure that your home remains rat-free. We also provide tips and strategies to prevent future infestations.

Last Thoughts On How To Get Rid Of Rats

Rats can cause significant health and property issues, but with the right strategies, you can keep them away and out of your home. By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking professional help when needed, you can maintain a rat-free environment. For expert pest control services, contact Freedom Wildlife Solutions & Pest Control. Our experienced team is ready to help you protect your home from rats.

For more detailed information and expert pest control services, visit Freedom Wildlife Solutions & Pest Control.