As homeowners, there are many things that we need to keep an eye out for when it comes to protecting our homes and families. One thing that often gets overlooked, but is incredibly important is keeping rats outside of our homes and away from our families. Rats are dangerous pests that can carry a variety of diseases, and they can also cause damage to our homes. However, with a few simple steps, rats can be kept outside where they belong. In this blog post, we will explore some practical ways of keeping rats outside in the new year.
1. Seal Entry Points
One of the most effective ways of keeping rats outside is to seal off entry points to your home. Rats can squeeze through small openings, so it is important to look for any potential entry points and seal them shut. Common entry points include gaps around pipes, openings around doors and windows, and gaps in your home’s foundation. Use caulking or steel wool to close these gaps, and you’ll find that rats will have a harder time getting inside.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
One of the main reasons why rats are attracted to human habitats is because of the abundance of food. By keeping your home clean and free of food scraps, you can help discourage rats from wanting to come inside. Make sure to keep your kitchen counters wiped clean and to store all food in tightly sealed containers. Additionally, keep your trash cans tightly closed, and don’t leave any food scraps lying around.
3. Get Rid Of Clutter
Another thing that rats are attracted to is clutter. They like to hide in dark, cluttered spaces, so by getting rid of clutter, you can help make your home less attractive to rats. This includes getting rid of any piles of junk or clutter around your home, as well as keeping your yard and garden free of any debris.
4. Use Traps
If you find that you have rats in your home, using traps can be an effective way of getting rid of them. There are a variety of different rat traps available, from snap traps to live traps. Make sure to place the traps in areas where you have seen rat activity, and be sure to check them regularly.
5. Call In The Professionals
If you are having a hard time getting rid of rats, it may be time to call in the professionals. Exterminators can help identify problem areas in your home, and can also use more powerful traps and baits to get rid of rats. They can also help you identify any potential entry points that you may have overlooked, and can give you advice on how to prevent rats from coming back in the future.
By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can help keep rats outside where they belong. Sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, getting rid of clutter, using traps, and calling in the professionals are all effective ways of keeping your home rat-free. With a little bit of effort and vigilance, you can help protect your home and family from these dangerous pests.
