Discovering a rat infestation on your property is something that no homeowner wants to experience. Just the idea of rodents scurrying around your home is enough to make anyone shudder. When discussing rodent control methods, prevention is always better than cure and keeping rats out of your home in the first place is always the best approach.
Suppose you do find rats in your home. In that case, it’s always best to call a professional rat removal company as soon as possible to deal with the problem effectively and ensure that you’ve eliminated the infestation. Once rats are already in your home, it’s going to be far more difficult to handle the situation. So, it is crucial that you take steps to prevent rodents from gaining access to your home and causing damage to your property and belongings. Taking the time to rodent-proof your home will minimise rats’ chances of entering your property, keeping your family and home safe.
For some quick tips and tricks that will help you to prevent a rat infestation from occurring in your own home, read on.
Seal Holes, Cracks And Gaps
Rats can squeeze through very small spaces, so it is important that you block any potential entry points to your home. Key areas to pay attention to are around windows, doors, piping and electrical outlets. Drains and roof eaves should also be examined for potential gaps or holes. Use steel wool, caulk or cement to seal up the holes properly to prevent and unwanted visitors from getting in.
Maintain A Tidy Home
Having an untidy home with clutter everywhere provides rodents with a multitude of places to hide. Be sure to remove any piles of newspaper, timber, mulch or other materials where rats might hideout. Removing potential hiding places will deter rats from coming near your home and potentially getting inside.
Store Food Correctly
Rats often come into homes in search of food. Keeping your food and food waste secure will help make your property less attractive to resourceful rats. Inside our home, make sure that you sweep up crumbs from the floor and counters and keep your food in sealed containers. Outside, be sure to secure your bins and keep an eye on your compost patch for signs of rodent activity.
Check Your Plumbing
Another reason that rats might approach your property is to access a water source. If your basement, attic or inner walls have leaking pipes, this can provide the perfect drinking source for rodents. In addition to attracting pests, leaking pipes can cause serious structural damage to your home and should be immediately repaired to avoid further damage.
Trim Tree Branches
Rats are excellent climbers and can make their way into your home via tree branches, shrubs and vines. Take some time to trim away any excess branches or plants to at least two meters from your home. Remove any vines from your walls that can be climbed and cut back any tree branches that are in contact with your roof or power lines leading to your home. With fewer ways to get access to your home, you will have less chance of a rodent infestation breaking out in your home.
Rodent-Proof Your Home And Keep Your Property Rat-Free
The best way to prevent a rodent infestation in your home is to put measures in place to deter rats from gaining access in the first place. By staying active with the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your property is less appealing to rats and more difficult to access. Deterring rats from coming into your home will help you to keep your property free of rats, allowing you and your family to live in peace.
