No rats allowed: A guide to keeping rodents out of your home

Do you have rats? Contrary to what was shown in the movie “Ratatouille”, your house is definitely no place for rats.

Rats are the worst freeloaders. They invade your house for food, and leave droppings, germs from the sewer pipes, leptospirosis, and a host of other horrid diseases in return. They are even known for starting house fires by gnawing on the electrical cables.

Rats are wary creatures with excellent survival skills. So, how does one get rid of rats? By using an exterminator, of course, or better still –  taking care of the problem before it even starts. Prevent them from coming into your yard and home with these tips:

Start with your yard

Rats are after food and water, so don’t leave out any pet food or food scraps. Fix leaky hoses and clear your drains. Make sure that your garbage bins are sealed. Get rid of old boards, weeds, and other junk that will potentially attract rats. Check your garage and shed for signs of rodents as well. A cluttered garage can house lots of rodents that can easily come inside your house. Don’t stack wood against the house, as it provides the perfect place for them to nest. Don’t leave ladders leaning up against the side of your house for the rats to climb either – this can lead them to go inside your roof and wreak havoc on your insulation.

If you have a garden, don’t place open compost piles anywhere near your home, shed, or other structures because the food waste will attract rodents.
One way to deter rats is to place peppermint in places where they are likely to enter or pass through. Rats hate peppermint because the smell is too intense for them. Peppermint will also mask food scents, so plant it around your house to discourage rodent infestation.

Keep them out of your home

Rodents can use any means to get inside your home, and once they are inside, it will be tough to get them out. Cracks, holes and gaps must be filled or covered as they provide the perfect opportunity for rats and other rodents to come inside your house. Aluminium security screens are excellent for covering the holes and gaps since rats can’t chew through them. Don’t go overboard, though, your house still needs to breathe.

Clutter is a rat’s best friend. They often use the clutter to build their nests and reproduce, so keep your home as spotless as possible. Attics, basements, garages and sheds are places that are likely to be cluttered, so watch out for mess in these areas.

Worst-case scenario

If you’re already dealing with an infestation, don’t feel like a failure. Rats are notorious for being relentless when it comes to invading homes and properties. If you’re unsure of what to do or you simply don’t want to deal with traps and baits, it’s time to contact pest control. You can get the services of an exterminator for $30 per hour.

Looking to compare the prices for pest control? Post your job and get free exterminator quotes within the day.