Top Tips To Prevent Rat Infestations

We visit a lot of locations and speak to home and business owners who are having an issue with rat infestations – both domestic and commercial. So, what can you do to help prevent the issue at your property.

When rats get a food source there is usually a nesting area within 30 meters and that nesting areas is likely to be found in a bank somewhere or underground – such as under a shed or a summer house.

In areas where there are fences, they like to burrow underneath and will often use the fence line to navigate their way back and forth to the food. This is a particularly common problem in residential areas.

There are many things which can provide food for rats, these include bird feeders where the residue which drops to the ground from the birds feeding draws the rats. They also enjoy compost areas. Not only do compost bins provide a source of food, but they are also used for shelter and as the waste decomposes, so heat is produced creating a warm and cosy home for the rat.

To minimise the chance of getting rats follow our top tips:

Keep it clean & tidy

• Don’t leave out any food, wrappers or food debris – keep any food or leftovers in metal or glass containers with tight fitting lids.
• Keep both your house and garden as tidy as you can free from debris and clutter – don’t give rats anywhere to hide.
• Keep outdoor bins safe and secure – don’t make access easy, so that rodents can feed on the content.
• Clean up any pet food and bird food debris – rats will get drawn into feeding on any crumbs.
• Don’t include any organic food waste if you have a compost heap – this will attract rodents.

Take care of your garden

• Mount any compost bins and sheds on a solid base – rats wont then be able to burrow in underneath
• Reinforce fence lines – this can stop rats from burrowing underneath.
• Pay attention to trees and hedges – any that touch or hang over the house should be cut back to prevent rats from using them as pathways onto and into the house.
• Don’t give rats anywhere to hide – keep grass short and trim bottom of hedges or bushes to expose soil beneath and eliminate hiding places.
• Remove any debris – rock piles, old equipment etc. that may be harbouring rodents.
• Keep an eye on bird feeders – dropped seeds and residue from pecking birds can attract rodents looking for food. If you think you may have a problem remove the feeders altogether.

Rat proofing your Home

• Entrances – rats can squeeze through small gaps so keep an eye out for ways that they may be able to enter your property or garden.
• Gaps – any holes or small openings should be filled with wire wool, caulking or concrete. Remember rats can jump quite high so you should fill any gaps up to 4m in height.
• Roofs – rats are great climbers, electrical cables and trees are often used to get access into loft spaces and attics. If you have any damage to fascia, soffit or roof tiles then we’d advise that you repair these as soon as possible – either replacing or using wire mesh to seal any gaps.
• Drains & Sewers – it’s not uncommon for rats to access property via damaged drainage pipes. It’s therefore always a good idea to get into the habit of keeping toilet seat lids closed. You can attach a Rat Sewer Guard which will help stop rats and mice from entering your property. Our rat guard sewer flap fitting service will give you complete peace of mind at your premises to protect your property and everyone in it. We’d also recommend that you check pipe work regularly and fix anything that you find that’s broken right away.

Keep your eye out signs of rodents

• Keep an eye out for signs that rats are already around – things like droppings and rat runs across the garden as these can be a common sign of having rats in the area.

Seek professional help

• Act quickly – if there are signs of rats get in touch quickly to stop any larger infestations.