While some keep rats as pets many homeowners want to keep them out of their homes. Rats are a common nuisance call. They thrive in a multitude of environments and can procreate at exponential rates. To successfully seal a home against rats their entrance and exit points must be located. Here are common areas of rat entry.
Exterior
- Utility lines and wires- When water lines, cable tv, home alarm systems, etc are installed in a home there are usually holes drilled through the exterior of the house to feed the lines inside. In many cases the excess space around the lines are left open. Rats hold the ability to squeeze into spaces only 20mm wide!
- Foundation vents- Ventilation along a foundation allows a homes underside to breath. The vents that cover the open holes will sometimes become loose and allow for space around their perimeter. Rats can enter through loose or non existing vent covers and gain entry to the property.
- Roof- Roofs account for a large part of a homes exterior. Roofs especially where the trim boards below and the roof decking above meet will sometimes open and allow for passage into the attic. Any gap over 1/4 inch should be sealed to exclude rats.
- Thresholds of exterior doors- All doors including garage doors should be inspected for light pollution along the base. Rats can access properties trough doors that do not seal properly when closed.
Interior
- Sinks- Looking under the sink in the kitchen and bathroom will usually show the homes water lines feeding into the faucet unit. In some cases rats will follow the water lines into a property. Looking around the water lines for feces or chew marks can indicate rat activity.
- Attic- Technically the exterior of a home, attics are usually entered through an attic access panel in the ceiling. Rats will drop their feces as they travel. If rats are in an attic so are their feces. Rouge light entering the attic can indicate a cavity to the exterior.
- Baseboards- Gaps around baseboards and floors should be checked to ensure no rat holes have been chewed through. In most cases these holes can be sealed with steel wool.
- Windows- Gaps around windows can allow rats entry to a property. Checking around the inside and outside of the window for chew marks or gaps is good practice in a rat inspection.
An integral part of excluding rats from a property includes locating all their entry/exit points. The interior and exterior of the property should be checked for swells, crevices, cracks, gaps and cavities that rats can breech through. Locating and repairing vulnerable areas can keep a home rodent free.
For more information contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors.