Rat problems can quickly get out of hand, leading to a rat infestation. Rats aren’t just annoying—they can also spread diseases, destroy belongings, and ruin the structural integrity of your home, garage, or other infested spaces. Mosquito Joe® is dedicated to helping you get rid of a wide range of pests and rodents. Learn more about the signs of a rat infestation, what draws them in, and how to keep them away for good with this how-to guide.
Quick-Reference Checklist: Preventing Rat Infestations
- Check for signs of a rat infestation (gnaw marks, droppings, damage).
- Remove potential attractants (trash, food, standing water, clutter).
- Seal entry points with appropriate materials (caulk, steel wool, concrete).
- Mow, trim, and maintain your property.
- Get help from a rat control professional as soon as you identify a potential rodent issue.
What Attracts Rats and How to Prevent Them
Understanding what attracts rats is one of the first steps to getting them out. Circumstances that could draw these rodents to your property evolve around shelter and sources that keep them nourished and include but aren’t limited to:
- Food: Pet food, bird seed, compost piles, food scraps, open food containers.
- Standing water: Condensation, pet water bowls, clogged drains, leaky pipes.
- Neglected lawn: Overgrown grass, weeds, leaf piles, and other areas to hide and nest.
- Cluttered spaces: Trash cans, piles of clothing, bags of old trash, stacks of boxes.
It’s only logical to remove sources of food, water, and shelter to help prevent rat infestations. Simple steps can make your home less inviting to rodents and other uninvited pests, including:
- Ensure all trash is cleaned up and secured in a closed garbage can.
- Clean up scraps and seal stored food.
- Keep your grass mowed and plants trimmed.
- Fix leaky pipes and clogged drains.
- Declutter throughout your property, including your garage, basement, shed, and other areas prone to providing shelter to pests.
How to Recognize and Address a Rat Infestation
Identifying the type of rat infesting your property starts with recognizing the signs. Different species leave behind unique evidence:
- Norway rats: Find large, capsule-shaped droppings near ground-level entry points. You may also see burrows or gnaw marks on low surfaces.
- Roof rats: Look for grease trails and droppings along elevated surfaces like rafters or attic spaces.
- Woodrats: Spot distinctive nests made from sticks, leaves, and shiny objects.
In addition to having distinct droppings and gnaw marks, different rat species prefer different habitats.
Habits and Habitats of Different Species of Rats
The rat species in the United States are extremely adaptable and opportunistic, allowing them to thrive in a wide range of environments. However, each species has unique habits and habitat preferences:
- Norway rats: Ground dwellers that stay close to food and water sources, Norway rats are commonly found in urban areas, sewers, and basements. They tend to create burrows outdoors but may invade homes if conditions favor it.
- Roof rats: Skilled climbers, roof rats often inhabit rooftops, attics, and trees. They’re most common in warmer areas and favor suburban neighborhoods with ample vegetation.
- Woodrats: Solitary by nature, woodrats prefer natural habitats like forests, deserts, and rural spaces. They build large, visible nests with sticks and other materials in outdoor areas.
Your region can also impact rat infestations. Cities are notorious for them because they often have poor sanitation, plenty of standing water, and a plethora of food sources. However, rats can also be a problem in rural areas. For example, rats may be drawn to farms with barns for shelter and plenty of crops and animal feed to eat. Knowing these habitat habits can help identify the best areas to inspect if you suspect a rat infestation.
Rat Infestation Prevention Methods
One of the best ways to keep rats out is to seal all potential entry points. Rats can sneak through very small spaces and gnaw their way through various materials. Look for potential holes and cracks around vents, garage doors, utility openings, windows, screens, and drains, as well as along floorboards, behind appliances, and under sinks. If you notice rat droppings, there is likely an entry point close by that requires attention.
To seal off rat entry points, use materials rats can’t chew or dig through. Steel wool is a popular option because it can be stuffed and shaped into different spaces, and rat teeth can’t gnaw through its coarse metal fibers. Caulk or expanding foam is also a popular option. For larger areas, you may consider concrete.
The best way to prevent rat infestations is to layer various methods for rodent control.
- Use eco-friendly repellents such as citronella, cayenne pepper, and peppermint to deter rats.
- Regularly check for outdoor signs of an infestation, especially in areas you don’t frequent as much, such as sheds and garages.
- Remove potential nesting materials like excess mulch and trash.
- Seek professional rodent control services to identify and address your rat problem effectively.
Seasonal Rat Infestation Risks: How to Prevent Them
The climate can impact rat infestations, particularly as seasons change. Rat activity tends to peak during the colder months as rats are actively searching for warmth, shelter, and food. You may not have an issue with rats all spring and summer, only to find rat droppings throughout your attic once the temperatures drop. Consider being extra vigilant with rat prevention practices at the end of summer.
Seeking Help With Rat Control Services
If you’re dealing with a rat infestation, it’s crucial to act quickly. Rats reproduce at an alarming rate, and an infestation can escalate in no time. Identifying the species can help you choose the most effective control methods, but professional assistance is the best option for a complete solution.
That’s where Mosquito Joe services come in. Backed by our Neighborly Done Right Promise® and our Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee, our trained professionals are committed to providing effective rodent control solutions to protect your property. We offer customized solutions, including sealing entry points, setting traps, and advising on preventive measures. Don’t let rats take over your space—reach out to your local Mosquito Joe for a free estimate and to learn more about commercial rodent control services.
