If you’ve ever had a rat problem in your home, you’ll know how frustrating it can be, and how you’ll do almost anything to eliminate them. But while you hate the rodents, you might not want to hurt them with traps.
Rats can be a serious problem in homes as the sneaky visitors can carry diseases and cause injuries and many find them to be unpleasant to look at.
They can also be really destructive when they’re in your home, chewing through walls, wiring, cupboards, and insulation.
These pests are commonly known as scavengers, and they don’t need much to survive. That being said, the three basic things they do need to survive, are things that humans also have/need – food, water and shelter.
According to the pest control specialist at Triangle Pest Control, the “best strategy” to keep rats away is to work to keep these pests out of your home to start with.
They warned that once an infestation has begun “they are hard to get rid of”.
Luckily, the pros have shared what households can do to “keep these rodents out of your home and away for good”.
Fill holes, cracks and gaps
Rats can slip into holes the size of a 10p coin so it’s worth checking your home for any opening that size and larger.
The experts recommend sealing them up with proper materials – these include steel wool, hardware cloth, caulk, cement, and plaster.
They added: “Sealing these entry points is one of the most effective forms of rodent control.”
Repel them
It’s possible to “repel rats using essential oils such as