How to Avoid Getting a Rat in Your House

Posted by firesidechimney on March 30th, 2021

Fewer words strike fear into nearly anyone's heart the way "rat" does. They're more than just gross. In addition to contaminating food and damaging the house itself, rats can jeopardize your family's health. Worldwide, rodents like rats and mice spread more than 35 diseases. These diseases can be transmitted to people directly, through contact with rats or their feces, urine or saliva. You also become very ill indirectly, through ticks, mites or fleas that have fed on an infected rodent.

You probably don't need to be told why you don't want a rat in the house. All you need to know is how to stop it from happening!

Plug up all their possible entrances

One of the best ways to avoid getting a rat in the house is to stop up all the little holes and possible ways to get in. Rats can slip into holes the size of a quarter! Did you know one could come in through your chimney? These animals want to find a warm spot to call home for their nests and young. The last thing you want is a literal rat's nest in your chimney. Round chimney rain caps can prevent a rat from getting in just like they prevent rain from coming in. When you compare the low chimney caps cost to an exterminator, it's well worth it.

Trim your shrubs

Also, trim trees, shrubs and limbs back four feet from your home. Trim tree branches away from your roof and utility lines. Also, remove vines, such as ivy, from the walls. You don't want to give those little guys any way to easily get onto your roof or anywhere near your house.

Don't give them a reason to come to your house

Limit their access to food and water. You can do this by keeping lids on your trash cans and eliminating outdoor water sources. This makes your home less appealing to hungry and thirsty pests. It isn't just outside. They can smell what you have in your garage, so be careful there too. Did you know that rats have been known to chew through garage doors to get to bird seed kept in the garage? Bird seed, cat food, and garbage all smell wonderful to rats.

Use baits and poisons outside

Maybe they can't get in, but they keep trying. It's time to do away with your pest once and for all. Toxic baits and poisons should be used outside the home. Rats can spread poison inside your home, making it dangerous for you, your family, and your pets. Always read and follow label directions and keep the bait where children and pets can't reach it. This should do the trick if nothing else will!

No one wants to even think about a rat in their house. Round chimney rain caps, trimming your trees back, and keeping a lid on your trash cans will go a long way toward eliminating your need to call a pest control expert.