Eek! Have you noticed rat droppings or heard scratching sounds on your walls recently? You may have a rat infestation on your hands.
Rats are extremely resilient and may even be able to survive a nuclear blast. The prospect of sharing your home with these furry pests may not be so cozy.
But don’t worry, there are several ways you can prevent rats from making your home their new rat house.
If you’re worried you may already have rats roaming around, keep reading. Here’s how to tell if you have a rat infestation and how to get rid of rats.
1. Attic Insulation
One of the best tips for preventing a rat infestation is to make sure your attic is well insulated. Rats are attracted to warm, cozy places, and an uninsulated attic is a perfect place for them to nest.
By insulating your attic, you make it less appealing to rats and less likely they’ll move in. Look for any gaps or holes that the rats could potentially use to get into your home.
2. Cleanliness
One of the best tips for preventing rat infestations is to keep your home clean and free of clutter. This will make it harder for rats to find places to hide and make it easier to spot them if they are present.
Be sure to sweep and vacuum regularly, and keep food in sealed containers. If you see any signs of rats, such as droppings or gnawed surfaces, contact commercial pest control services right away.
3. Proper Food Storage
Rats are attracted to food sources, so if you have food that is not properly stored, it can attract rats. Make sure you are keeping food in airtight containers and in a cool, dry place.
If you have food that is attracting rats, it is important to remove it and clean the area to prevent further infestation.
4. Effective Rodenticides
In getting rid of rats, you need to use effective rodenticides. Rodenticides are pesticides that are specially formulated to kill rats and mice.
There are many different types of rodenticides available on the market, so you need to choose the right one for your situation. If you’re not sure which rodenticide to use, ask some pest control services for advice.
5. Use Mouse/Rat Traps
You can buy these traps at your local hardware store. Be sure to set the trap in an area where you have seen rat activity. The trap should be baited with chocolate or peanut butter. Once the rat has taken the bait, the trap will snap shut, killing the rat.
Rat Infestation 101
Rats are one of the peskiest and most hated pests. They are known to carry diseases and contaminate food, and their constant scratching and gnawing can cause extensive damage to property.
Given their reputation, it is no wonder that people go to great lengths to prevent rat infestation from taking up residence in their homes.
If you want to keep rats away, start by sealing up any openings larger than a half-inch in your home. Store food in air-tight containers and keep your garbage can clean and free of food scraps.
Read on for more pests-related articles like this one.
