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Keeping Rats Outside In The New Year

Rats are one of the most common and persistent pests in houses. Not only do they invade every corner of your home, but they also cause havoc by gnawing on everything and spreading diseases. By learning how to keep them out of your house, you not only safeguard your family’s health but also protect your property from damage. In this blog, we will discuss some effective ways to keep rats outside in the new year.

1. Seal Up Cracks and Holes in Walls and Floors
Rats can easily penetrate into your home through even the smallest of cracks and crevices. Therefore, it is important to seal up any gaps in your walls and floors. Use caulk or expanding foam to fill up any openings around pipes, vents, and wires. Pay special attention to the areas where pipes and wires enter your house. It is also a good idea to check your doors and windows for any gaps and seal them appropriately.

2. Keep Your Home Clean
Rats thrive in dirty environments and can easily invade houses with poor sanitation. To keep rats outside, maintain clean surroundings in your home. This involves storing food in tightly sealed containers, taking out the trash regularly, and cleaning up spills and crumbs immediately. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight. If you have a garden or yard, clear debris like fallen leaves, garden waste, and stacked wood.

3. Block Off Entry Points
Rats can quickly make their way into your home through the garage or attic. To avoid inviting them in, seal off these entry points by keeping the doors closed, installing weatherstripping, and fitting screens over the windows. You may also want to consider sealing around any pipes or ducts that enter your house. Don’t forget to check the roof for any gaps or ventilation openings that rats can use to get inside.

4. Use Natural Rat Repellents
If you want to keep rats outside in the new year, you can use natural rat repellents such as mothballs, peppermint oil, or vinegar. These substances are known to keep rats at bay. Simply place mothballs in areas where rats can enter your home or spray peppermint oil or vinegar around your home. However, make sure to use these products with caution as their smell may be unpleasant to humans.

5. Employ Professional Pest Control Services
Lastly, if you are struggling with a rat infestation, you should consider hiring professional pest control services. These experts are trained to identify the rats’ hiding spots, eradicate them, and prevent their re-entry. While there are do-it-yourself options available, getting professional help can save you time and money in the long run.

In conclusion, keeping rats outside in the new year requires a proactive approach to pest control. Be vigilant about the entry points rats can use to invade your home, maintain cleanliness, use natural rat repellents, and invest in professional pest control services if necessary. By following these recommendations, you can keep your home safe from the damaging and dangerous rats in the new year.