When it comes to rat infestations, prevention is definitely better than the cure. Rats will not only cause damage to the home and the objects inside it, they are also capable of spreading dozens of diseases. So what can be done to prevent rat damage in the home and stop them from making the inhabitants sick?
Why rats enter the home
Life outside is rough, even for a rat, so rats will often look for ways to enter the home in order to have better access to warmth, shelter, food and water. This means that rat infestations often spike as temperature goes down, and the rodents will seek the warmer temperatures inside the home in order to survive winter. They also have an excellent sense of smell, and they can detect any food that you leave out in the open. You might not even be aware that you are drawing in rats, because you store food away regularly. But rats are also drawn to the smell of pet food and garbage, so you are at risk if you do not keep these items sealed.
How to stop rats from entering the home
Rats gain access to the home through various cracks and crevices in the exterior of the home. These entry points have to be found and sealed in order to rat-proof your home.You then want to make sure that all your food is sealed and that you do not leave any food out in the open for too long. Finally, rats are after sources of water, and a leaky pipe can be a great source. Fixing any leaks or clogged gutters can reduce both the chance of rats entering the home and the chance of other pests seeking access.
Getting rid of rats once they are inside
Once rats are inside, the best bet to get rid of them is to work with a pro. Pros will use either traps or poisons to get rid of an infestation, depending on its size, with traps being used for smaller infestations, and poisons being used against larger ones. A pro will first perform an inspection to determine the best course of action, and then will inform you about the best path forward. For more information on rat prevention, or if you need help to remove an existing infestation, contact us today.
