Wondering How To Prevent Rats? We Are Here To Help You With 3 Easy Steps.
Summers with hot, dry conditions can often bring rat populations to an all-time high. Rodents begin searching for warm, dry places to spend the winter when the weather starts cooling in April/May. Our homes are the perfect place for rats to hide because of the warm atmosphere and the access to food. Rather than worrying about whether they will come to your home, we’ll discuss how to keep them away and how to get rid of them if they are already there.
In many cases, you can see signs of rats before you actually see one. Rats carry diseases and cause damage to property and food. Rats chew anything and everything. This is to keep their long teeth trimmed and sharp and also to gather bits and pieces to create bedding for their nests. Nothing is safe from rats, not even walls, doors, books or furniture. A very big risk though, is that they chew on wiring in your home or property and this can be a serious fire risk.
Rats tend not to move further than 40 meters from their nests, so once you see either a rat or their nest, you know one will not be too far away from another. This will also include any baby or family of the rats.
What can property owners do to keep rats away?
Helen who is Bug Lady, has put together 3 steps that can help to prevent or treat rats and mice.
1. How do I know if I have rats or mice?
Rats produce a huge amount of droppings (feces) – up to 40 per night. They are about the size of a large grain of rice, brown in colour and they taper at the ends. These are usually the biggest factor to knowing you have rodents present.
The scratching noise they make in ceilings is very noticeable, as well as the sound of them scurrying around under floorboards and/or decking.
Another telltale sign is the evidence of them chewing on skirting boards, cables, wires and packets of food. They constantly gnaw on plastic and wood to maintain their teeth which are always growing.
Sighting of a rat nest which can often be found in hidden corners, dark cupboards and behind appliances.
If you notice any of these signs it is important to act quickly to avoid further damage or breeding. Rats need to be treated and removed.
2. Ok, I think I have rats, what can I do?
Act quickly! Firstly ensure all of your food is not contaminated and ensure any food that is not tainted, is stored in containers.
Rat poison can be set but this carries some concerns and where a professional is best advised. Bug Lady says the following…
“Rodent feeding stations are safe for children and pets as they are lockable. The bait is secure and cannot be removed by the rodent and carried back to the nest. Some homeowners purchase poisonous bait and put it behind the dishwasher or various hidden places. This is unsafe because a rat can drag it back to the nest and sometimes it is left in a vulnerable place like a pathway where a dog or child could eat it”.
3. Now that you have got rid of the rats, how can I prevent them from coming back?
Bug Lady Helen has advice on this…
“Trim large trees or vines back from the roof, any that are touching the roof is a clear pathway for them to walk right in. Even a few meters away from the roof, they can jump and easily slip under tiles or corrugated iron”.
“Repair any holes under the sink areas and block the gaps at the side of the garage door.”
If you are in the position of struggling with rats, mice or any rodents, contact Bug Lady and she will take all of the hassle and stress away by providing the treatment for you. Free quotes are given, follow-ups can be arranged and Helen is always happy to provide free advice on how to keep these pests out of your home and business.
