Homes are one of peoples largest investments. Every now and again a homeowner will notice rat activity at their neighbors. One of the first questions that comes to mind is “how do I keep their rats away from my house?” To first answer that question we must identify what rats are attracted to.
Rats are opportunistic feeders with a keen sense of smell. Rats are also creatures of habit. If food or water are left unprotected and rats get a taste they will come back routinely for another helping. Good practices include storing food, including pet food, in sealed containers. Additionally, one should ensure gardens are screened off and fallen fruit from trees are picked up routinely. Bird feed, particularly bird feed on the ground can attract rats. Cleaning fallen bird feed and using rodent guarded feeders will help deter rats from visiting your property. Rats are also attracted to properties if they can provide shelter or nesting materials.
Rat nests are constructed from a variety of materials. We’ve come across rat nests composed of shredded paper, dried plants, human hair, cardboard, insulation and other soft materials. Rats are also known to nest close to wood piles, and “clutter/junk” in peoples yards. Keeping a clean yard and wood piles at least 20 feet from a home are good measure in distancing oneself from rats. One of the most effective ways to keep rats out of a home or property is to ensure there are no open or weak areas for rats to infiltrate the house.
Rats have adapted to living close to humans. If rats are eating, drinking and breeding near by and spot an opportunity to enter a home they may take advantage of it. Proactively checking a property for vulnerable areas rats can enter will deter rats from infesting a home. Common areas include unscreened vents around foundations and roofs. Protrusions from roofs, missing/loose trim boards and gaps around water and electrical lines. Repairing and reinforcing these areas are effective ways to mitigate rat activity on site.
It can be uncomfortable to see junk piles, wood piles, bird seeds, fruit, etc laying in a neighbors yard & fearing these known rat attractants might lead to rats on ones own property. To protect your property make sure there are no open sources of food, water, nesting materials or open cavities on your property. By securing vulnerable places around your home you can prevent rats from entering and establishing residence.
For more information or to schedule a consultation contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors.