If you see signs that you may have a rodent infestation in your Frederick home, you are not alone. An American Housing Survey in 2015 revealed that over 11% of all homes in the United States reported the presence of rats.
Rats can be dangerous. They can chew through wires creating a fire hazard. They can get into your food, leave droppings everywhere, and become a serious health hazard.
Rats don’t need much to survive. All they need is food, water, and shelter.
You may be surprised to learn everyday things can attract rats and keep them living in your house as unwelcome guests.
Everyday Things That Attract Rats
Knowing what rats want and where they find it is the first step in keeping them out of your home. Check all these things to ensure rats don’t try to make your home theirs.
Accessibility
Rats can breach your home through the tiniest openings. They may enter through small holes or wall cracks, vents, or gaps in the foundation. Check your garage door seal, as rats can chew a hole in the rubber and make an entry point.
Clutter and Debris
Piles of leaves, wood, cardboard, or newspapers are perfect places for a rat to build a nest. They like to burrow, so any cluttered areas can provide shelter and warmth for rats to thrive. They’ll also try to feed on digested food from compost piles and pet waste, so be sure to keep these fully covered.
A Warm and Cozy Environment
Rats are warm-blooded mammals and will seek warmth to build a nest and raise a family. In winter months, your fireplace and heating system make your home the perfect, cozy spot for rats to settle in.
Food Source
Rats are not picky eaters and eat almost everything available to them. They love discarded fruit and vegetables, nuts, bread, grains, and meat. Bags of pet food should be kept out of reach. Rats eat soap, fur, cardboard, and any food sources with high carbohydrates.
Rats will get into your trash cans while looking for food, so keep them closed. Rats also try to chew on electrical wires and leather furniture and clothing, so be sure to inspect these.
Water Source
Like all living creatures, rats need water to survive. Be sure to repair any leaks from pipes or gutters that may inadvertently become a primary source of water for rats. Outdoor water supplies also include birdbaths and pet water bowls. Monitor these areas for rat droppings.
Indoor Plants
Indoor plants may surprise you in their ability to attract rats. However, plants provide warm soil, a water source, and food if the plant bears nuts or fruit.
How to Make Your Home Less Attractive to Rats
There are many ways to keep your home less attractive to rats. Understand what might attract them in the first place to avoid these mistakes and keep your home free from a dangerous pest infestation.
Follow these guidelines to make your home less inviting to rats:
- Keep all food in sealable, airtight containers to eliminate scent
- Make sure trash bags are not left around; use a garbage can with a tight-fitting lid
- Keep your yard and perimeter of your house free of piles of leaves and other debris
- Rats sneak through even tiny openings, so repair any possible entry points
Got Rat Problems? We Can Help!
Whether you live in Frederick or anywhere else in Maryland, rats are attracted to things that all homes supply: food, water, and shelter. Plenty of things attract rats to your home, but there are just as many preventative measures you can take to keep them away.
Know the signs of a rat infestation, what to look for, and how to prevent them from getting into your Frederick home.
If you see signs of a rat infestation in your home, call today for a free pest control inspection!
