Rats are one of the most annoying pests that can invade your home. They are known to carry diseases and can cause damage to your property. But if you have a rat problem in your home, don't despair. You are not alone! Rats are one of the most common pests in the United States. Unfortunately, they're also one of the most difficult to eliminate. But don't worry, we're here to help. Here are steps to get rid of rats from your home for good.
Why Do I Have a Rat Problem?
There are many reasons why you may have a rat problem. Rats are attracted to food, water, and shelter, so if your home or property has any of these things, rats will be drawn to it. Once they're on your property, rats can reproduce quickly, and before you know it, you have a full-blown infestation. Rats can also carry diseases that are harmful to humans, so it's important to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Ways to Prevent and Eliminate Rats
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Keep your home clean and clutter-free. Rats like to hide in dark, cluttered areas. If you eliminate their hiding places, they'll be less likely to stay in your home. Store food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage properly. Keep your yard clean and free of debris.
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Be sure to close your garbage can lids. Rats are attracted to the smell of garbage and will rummage through it in search of food. If they find an easy meal, they'll stick around and keep coming back for more.
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Rats are attracted to food, so it's important to keep your food stored away in containers. If you leave food out, you're more likely to attract rats into your home. Once they're in, they can contaminate your food and spread disease. To prevent rats from getting into your home, don't leave food out and store it in airtight containers.
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Figure out how they are getting into your home. Rats are good climbers and can squeeze through tiny spaces. They can also swim, so if your home is near water, that may be how they're getting in. Once rats are inside, they'll build nests and start multiplying. Look for small openings around the foundation, vents, and plumbing to figure out how rats are getting into your home. If you can find their entry point, seal it with steel wool or hardware cloth.
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Essential oils may be the answer to your rat problem. Rats are known to be repelled by certain strong smells, and essential oils can provide that for you. Some people choose to use Peppermint, Citronella, Lemongrass, or Clove oil. You can either apply these oils directly to where you see rat activity or make sachets filled with the oil and place them around your home.
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One of the best ways to get rid of rats is by setting traps. Traps are a very effective way to kill rats, and they are also relatively easy to set up. You can purchase traps at most hardware stores or online. When setting up traps, be sure to place them in areas where rats are known to travel. Rats typically travel along walls, so placing traps near walls is often effective. You may need to experiment with different trap locations before you find an area that is successful.
When it comes to rats, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s why you should call an exterminator immediately if you see even one rat on your property. Exterminators will inspect your property to find out how the rats are getting in and will then set up traps or bait stations to get rid of them. San Joaquin Pest Control has plenty of experience ridding homes and businesses of rats, and they are up for helping you get your space rat-free, too! Call them today.
