How To Prevent Rats from Invading Your Home
At The BioClean Team, we receive many calls and jobs for cleaning up after rats. While we’re always ready to help, we know that prevention is the best solution. In the interest of keeping more homes safe and clean—even if it means fewer jobs for us—we want to help you prevent rats from invading your home in the first place. A rat infestation can cause serious health risks, property damage, and costly cleanups, but with the right precautions, you can keep your home rodent-free.
Why Are Rats a Problem?
Rats are more than just a nuisance. They carry diseases, contaminate food, and can cause extensive damage by chewing through walls, wires, and insulation. A rat infestation can quickly spiral out of control since these rodents reproduce rapidly. Once inside, they can spread bacteria and allergens, creating an unhealthy living environment for you and your family.
The best way to deal with a rat problem is, like most problems in life, to stop it before it starts. Here’s how you can make your home less inviting to these unwanted guests.
1. Seal Up Entry Points
Rats can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, making it easy for them to invade your home. Inspect your home’s exterior for gaps, cracks, and openings, especially around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Use steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh to seal any gaps. Pay close attention to areas around your foundation, roof, and garage, as these are common entry points.
2. Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Rats are attracted to food and shelter, so a messy home can be an open invitation. Regular cleaning and decluttering can help keep them away.
- Store all food in airtight containers.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
- Take out the trash regularly and keep garbage bins tightly sealed.
- Reduce clutter, especially in storage areas like basements, attics, and garages, where rats can nest.
If you or a familiar member are living in a hoarding situation this is the most welcoming of all for rodents. Let us help you tackle the mess of hoarding cleanup.
3. Remove Outdoor Attractions
Your yard can be a breeding ground for rats if it provides easy food and shelter. Make your property less appealing by:
- Keeping garbage cans securely closed.
- Trimming overgrown bushes and keeping grass short.
- Removing outdoor pet food and birdseed overnight.
- Stacking firewood and other materials at least a foot off the ground and away from walls.
4. Secure Your Food Sources
Rats will eat almost anything, so eliminating food sources is key. In addition to keeping human food stored properly, don’t forget about pet food and animal feed. If you have outdoor pets, bring their food inside at night. If you have fruit trees, pick up any fallen fruit to prevent attracting rodents.
5. Fix Leaks and Reduce Moisture
Rats need water to survive, so eliminating moisture sources can help deter them. Fix any leaky pipes, faucets, or drains, and make sure your home has proper drainage. Check basements, crawl spaces, and attics for excess moisture, and consider using a dehumidifier if needed.
6. Use Rodent Deterrents
Several natural and chemical deterrents can help keep rats away.
- Peppermint oil: Rats dislike the strong smell, so placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around entry points can help.
- Ammonia: The scent mimics predator urine, making rats think there’s danger nearby.
- Ultrasonic repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant for rodents but inaudible to humans.
While deterrents can be helpful, they should be used alongside other preventative measures, not as the only solution.
7. Set Traps Before There’s a Problem
Even if you don’t have rats, setting traps in areas where they might enter can catch invaders early before an infestation begins. Traditional snap traps, live traps, and bait stations can all be effective. Place traps near walls, in attics, or in dark corners where rats are likely to travel.
8. Be Vigilant and Act Fast
If you see signs of rats—such as droppings, gnawed wires, or scratching noises—act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get rid of them. Call a professional if you suspect an infestation, as DIY methods may not be enough to eliminate the problem.
What If You Already Have a Rat Infestation?
If rats have already taken up residence in your home, it’s crucial to address the problem as soon as possible. Eliminating the rodents is just the first step—proper cleaning and decontamination are also essential. Rats leave behind dangerous bacteria, urine, and droppings that can cause serious health risks.
At The BioClean Team, we provide professional cleanup services to safely remove rat waste and restore your home to a clean, livable condition. We work with homeowners to ensure thorough decontamination and even help navigate insurance claims when possible.
Keep Rats Out for Good
Preventing a rat infestation is much easier than dealing with one after it happens. By sealing entry points, keeping your home clean, and eliminating food and water sources, you can significantly reduce the chances of rats invading your home.
If you’re already dealing with a rat problem and need professional cleanup services, contact us today. We’re here to help make your home safe, clean, and rodent-free.
