The thought of your home becoming infested with rats or mice can be one of the most unsettling ideas that can enter your mind as a homeowner. Having rats or mice inside of your house can wreak havoc in many ways, as these rodents can begin to tear apart the interior of your property in a short period.
Additionally, these pests can also spread disease, as they are carriers of many harmful pathogens, including hantavirus, which can create a significant health risk for you and your family.
It’s essential to be aware of the things which can attract these unwanted creatures so you can properly conduct the necessary rodent proofing needed to keep rats away from your property.
Read on to learn what attracts rats to your house and how to get rid of rodents in your home.
What Attracts Rats To Your House?
Several things can make your home appealing to rats and mice, but the two main factors are food and shelter.
Rats and mice need both food and shelter to survive, and unfortunately for homeowners, food and shelter are two things rodents can easily acquire from you. Rats and mice primarily need protection during the winter to avoid the colder temperatures, which is why you may notice an uptick in rodent activity during these months.
Take a closer look at four common things that can attract rats and mice to your home:
1. Unsecured Food
It’s no secret that rats and mice love to eat anything they can get their hands on, and allowing these animals to have easy access to their next meal is one significant way to attract them to your home.
Rats and mice are especially attracted to homes with unsecured trash bins near them, especially those uncovered.
For this reason, it’s important to invest in a secure trash bin to prevent rats and mice from taking over your home.
Moreover, if you have open bags of pet food, birdseed, or other items that may entice rats to your vicinity, it’s a good idea to find a way to store these more securely. Try storing these items in bins with lids that can be securely shut and clean up any spills after use.
2. Warmth
Like any other animal, a warm, comforting environment can be all that it takes for rats and mice to be attracted to your property. As we mentioned, this is especially true during the winter months of the year, as rodents will seek out any form of shelter they can find.
Often, rats and mice will find a way into your home if there is an easily accessible route into it, such as holes in your roof or walls. It’s essential to make sure your home has the necessary rodent proofing before the coldest months of the year, as rats and mice can do a fair amount of damage once they make their way inside.
3. Pet Waste and Compost Piles
The things that attract rats and mice to your home are often the things most humans would never think to worry about. Things such as pet waste and compost are two such items that are viewed as an afterthought for most homeowners but can be the thing that entices a rat to come to your home.
Rats and mice are by no means picky eaters and will happily dig into your compost pile or dog waste without thinking twice. Be sure to clean up all pet waste and compost piles to avoid attracting rats and mice to your home.
4. Leaky, Dripping Pipes
The thought of leaky pipes is something to be concerned with for many reasons as a homeowner, as it can create extensive damage and lead to mold and mildew. But it can also be something that attracts rats and mice to your home, as rats need a source of water much like any other animal.
Whether the leaky pipe is inside your home or coming from your sprinkler system, these issues can cause rats and mice to be attracted to your home. To make sure your property has sufficient rodent proofing, make sure you do not have any leaks that can become a rodent infestation source.
How to Get Rid of Rats
Now that you know what attracts rats, how can you prevent these pesky rodents from getting into your home? Here are six easy tips to avoid attracting rats to your house.
Inspect Your Home
Before you can prevent rats and mice from coming inside of your home, it’s a good idea to do a thorough inspection to ensure there aren’t any rats in your home, to begin with.
To start, inspect the outside of your home, paying particular attention to things like cracks or gaps in your garage door or around vents and spaces in the foundation.
Next, inspect the inside of your house, looking at the appliance lines, drains, vents, and any potential access points. If you notice an access point outside or inside your home, you can seal these off to prevent rats and mice from entering.
Fill Any Gaps
Speaking of gaps, it’s important to note that rats and mice can enter your home in more gaps than mentioned above. Rats and mice are extremely nimble creatures and can squeeze their way through tiny holes.
After your inspection, be sure to fill any gaps you see in either your home’s exterior or interior. A good rule of thumb is that you should fill it if the gap is larger than two of your fingers.
Keep Your Home Tidy
As we mentioned, rats and mice love warm, comforting environments, especially when shelters offer them places to hide. That’s why it’s essential to keep all areas of your home tidy. Doing so will eliminate potential hiding places for rodents.
It’s also a good idea to regularly take out the trash and empty your compost bin if you have one. If you have a garden, keep the area trimmed, clean, and free of clutter to discourage rodents from making a home there.
Keep Food Sealed
Rats and mice love free food and can weasel their ways into opened food, pet food, and like with ease, so be sure to keep food items sealed. Securing food is especially important if you keep a refrigerator in your garage or store pet food there.
Try a Natural Deterrent
Did you know there are natural deterrents for rats and mice? A few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen can help keep rodents at bay.
You can deter rats and mice with things like crushed red pepper, black pepper, and clove. A sprinkle of these around the foundation of your home can irritate rodents’ noses and discourage them from entering.
Call a Professional Attic Service Provider
A professional attic service provider like Attic Providers can perform a thorough inspection of your home to see if any areas may have a rodent problem. By locating nesting areas, a professional attic services provider can get the rodents out of your walls without damaging other areas of your home.
Rodents Infesting Your Home? Let Attic Projects Help
You know what attracts rats and how you can prevent rodents from getting into your home, but sometimes your best bet is to hire a professional.
At Attic Projects, we offer several services that can help you protect your home against rats and mice, like rodent waste removal and more. Our team of professionals can sufficiently rodent-proof your home before they cause damage or threaten your family’s health. If you are in Southern California, contact us today at 858-302-4082.
