4 methods to prevent rats entering your home – ‘get prepared’

Household pests: Six easy ways to de-bug your home

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Rats are active throughout the year but may be more prominent during the winter months. To help keep rodents at bay in the home, an expert has shared four ways Britons can prevent the pests from entering. John Stewart, from the technical team at Pest-Stop, the UK’s leading manufacturer of high-quality pest control products, has shared his tips on how to make your home “rodent-proof” as winter approaches.

The expert said: “With the nights drawing in and colder weather on the horizon, it’s that time of the year again when rodents set their sights on homes to nest for the winter.

“Food is scarcer for rats and mice in the winter months and with the colder temperatures, warm homes are ideal targets for the pests looking for winter lodgings.

“In September alone, there was a 250 percent increase in UK Google searches for ‘how to get rid of rats without poison’, showing that people now more than ever are looking for alternative ways to remove rodents from their homes.

“As Britain is reported to be home to some 120 million brown rats, now is the time for households to get prepared as we approach peak rodent season.

“Pest-Stop presents a wealth of options when it comes to dealing with rodent pests. 

“As well as preventing rodents, dealing with them humanely is another factor to consider when protecting your home this winter.”

1. Keep bird feeding to a minimum

According to the expert, limiting bird feeding is “imperative” to prevent rodent attraction in your home.

As an alternative, bird feeders could be placed outside during the day but moved indoors before the evening when rodents wake up. 

DON’T MISS:
‘Best time’ to prune winter-flowering shrubs [COMMENT]
‘Small changes’ to ensure the ‘survival’ of your houseplant in winter [INSIGHT]
Keep houseplant bugs and mould ‘at bay’ with simple cinnamon hack [EXPLAINER]

John said: “Use specialist bird feeders too, rather than scattering food in your garden as this could attract rats.”

2. Check for unwanted entry points

Rodents, including rats, can get through tiny gaps so it is important to check around the home for these to stop them sneaking in.

The expert added: “Be sure to look out for any building defects, holes in pipework, gaps at the front and rear steps, damaged air bricks, large weep holes, and gaps under window ledges.

“Inside your home, check that gaps under the doors including the garage are no greater than 1.3cm. Also clear out stair cupboards where rodents could make a winter nest.

“Cutting vegetation away from the home also prevents harbourage for rodents and allows for inspection for building defects and rat burrows.”

3. Cut off food sources

Rats love to come inside during the winter months to keep warm, meaning food supplies will be of easier access to them.

This means households should make sure any open food products are stored safely in sealed containers and fruit should not be left open.

The pest expert continued: “Place foodstuff in cupboards high up to prevent consumption and contamination, and ensure rubbish bags are placed in secure bins to deny further food sources for rodents.”

4. Check for signs of nesting

John recommended looking for evidence of rodent activity such as droppings and nesting materials around the home.

The attic space is often an attractive place for rats because it provides a peaceful and warm haven for them.

He added: “Electrical cupboards is another place to bear in mind, as rats like to chew through electrical wiring. 

“Check under the kick plates in the kitchen for rat droppings and clear out any food debris.”

Source: Read Full Article