It takes one rat to get inside your property to expect a severe rat infestation soon. Female rats typically give birth to up to 12 babies per year. Moreover – nothing stops a whole pack of rodents from following its leader who’s just crossed any of the welcoming rat entry points in your living space.
What are these spots, and how do you take care of them to avoid a huge pest invasion? Find out in our today’s material. Below you can see the hottest eight common entrances from where rats start their new life phase – the one in your own home.
Cracks in Walls and Baseboards
You have no idea how flexible rats can be! Even a tiny crack in the wall is big enough for them to slide inside and get inside your house. It’s not even mandatory for the rodent to start walking around your living space, so you can spot and kill it.
These creatures are very capable when it comes to building a nest, including in the cracks of the walls and baseboards. What we try to warn you is that if you don’t fix these holes, sooner or later, you can expect a rat infestation. And you don’t need one, do you?
Do You Have Any Holes in the Roof?
Rat control specialists regularly recommend their customers check out their roofs for holes. Even if you have recently learnt how to get rid of rats and you accomplished this challenging mission, examining new risks regularly is a must.
Moreover – when the rodents were in your home, they loved scratching the roof, so the damage is probably already made. Besides, roof holes are quite risky during the autumn-winter seasonal storms and bad weather conditions.
And What About Any Poorly Fitted Pipes?
The drain system is among the most famous rat entry points. Like Splinter, the Ninja Turtle Teacher from the kid’s cartoon, all rats love visiting the canalization. When they see a hole nearby, they will be happy to continue the journey and appear in a new place – warmer, fuller with food and materials to build a nest.
Your house is such a spot. If the pipes aren’t fitted well, immediately call the local handymen to perform the necessary repairs.
Air Vents and Ducts Welcome Rats, Too
Have you recently heard strange noises coming straight from your air vent system? We are sorry to tell you, but it might be a sign of a pest invasion. The ducts, as well as the air vents, are common rat entry points. If a weird smell accompanies the scratching sound, you’ve been infested. Our recommendation is to call two types of specialists. Have one group for the pest
control work, and on the other side, rely on the right technicians to do the necessary repairs so you will reduce the risk of new rat infestation.
Overgrown Shrubbery Is Quite Attractive to the Rodents
Some rodents love the journey and prefer to move slowly – step by step – into your home place. They would first find accommodation in your exterior and then go directly to your living space (especially when the temperatures start falling).
The bushes, twigs, and all types of waste and garbage in your garden are attractive to rodents. Every sign of a mess is like a magnet for these creatures. They would feel safe hiding and building a nest here. So isn’t it high time for you to make some de-cluttering procedures in your home exterior?
Dirty or Open Chimneys Say “Come Inside!”
It’s not only Santa Claus who uses the chimney to get inside your house. Different types of animals, birds, and pests would prefer this entrance. So would the rats.
We’ve heard many stories about a romantic evening of couples cuddling in a warm blanket in front of the fireplace from where suddenly scratching noises started ruining the atmosphere.
Here’s more to know: the dirtier the chimney is, the more possible it is to become the starting point for your home rat infestation. Regular cleaning is a must, but closing the chimney – especially during the “rodent season” (late autumn) – could be an excellent precaution to take.
Wiring Holes Scream of a Rat Infestation
One of the most common damages rodents cause is chewing the wires. It’s annoying and costly to repair and quite dangerous for your home’s safety. Wiring holes can also be rat entry points to consider.
Even the pest control specialists usually start the examination for nests here. If you are doing a check right now, don’t forget this spot, and if necessary, make some repairs as soon as possible.
Your Garage Is a Common Rat Shelter
Last but not least, we should also add the garage to the list of rat entry points. This detached building in your property perimeter can be a permanent or a temporary shelter for rodents.
They love being in here. It’s messy, dirty, and dark, and people don’t remain in the garage for a long time. What you can do to protect your garage from a rat infestation is to keep it de-cluttered and install some traps. Spreading some baits or poison will also be a great solution if you have already seen signs of the invasion (droppings, chewed items, etc.).
Final Thoughts
These eight rat entry points should be examined regularly, protected, and repaired when necessary. It takes precisely a few seconds for the rodent to move through them and accommodate in your living space.
Don’t let that happen, and instead, take precautions in advance. We politely remind you that rats are not only annoying and quite mischievous when it comes to damaging items. They are also very dangerous for your health.
According to the stats, there are more than 35 diseases that rats can spread around and infect people and other animals. Make sure to avoid such serious health risks in your domestic environment.
