Have you ever seen more rats than usual? Because it is mouse season. Much like snakes and other rodents, when temperatures drop, mice start looking to escape the cold and find food sources for the winter. Additionally, rat populations spike in the fall, as rats breed from spring through summer. charles van riesconservation scientist and editor-in-chief of Gulo in Nature.
“For the same reason, many of these rats will be young rats attacking themselves for the first time,” explains Van Rees. “Like young humans, this makes them even more likely to get lost and more likely to end up in places they shouldn’t be: homes, garages, sheds.”
If you’re worried about this, it may be time to step up your efforts to keep rats out of your home. Please read.
Read this article: 6 foods in your kitchen that will bring mice into your home.
If food is scarce outdoors, rats will quickly find food inside the house. Store food in airtight containers and place dirty dishes directly in the dishwasher.
According to American Rat Control, rats’ favorite foods are fruits and berries, seeds and grains (watch out for bird feeders too!), nuts, and meats (including bacon and animal fats).
Rick ContiPest inspector and Dr. Sniffs owner says rats are especially drawn to pet food. “Give your pet a set meal and pick up the bowl when they’re done eating,” he advises.
Anything a rat can smell will entice them. “Rats will eat anything, even food scraps and open trash cans attract them,” he says. Jordan FosterPest Control Supervisor at Fantastic Services.
Make sure trash can lids are tight, including those in bathrooms and bedrooms, and don’t leave trash bags around the house (even if they’re tied). American Rat Control says to be extra careful when putting steak, chicken, or pork scraps in the trash.
Rats have collapsible skeletons that allow them to crawl through small spaces and enter homes. To do. Natasha Krinsky Beaver pest control experts advise taking extra care if you’ve recently moved or made home repairs.
You can always contact a professional if you need to seal any gaps that rodents can enter. But if you’re doing it yourself, Klinski says it’s best to start with “low-level holes and crevices around the pipe.” She recommends using both steel her wool (to seal the opening) and a good sealant.
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Rats don’t like bright light, so they are rarely seen during the day, according to David. If there are areas of your home that don’t receive natural light, such as closets and hallways, install lighting to keep rodents out. Similarly, if you have a room that isn’t used often, consider leaving a night light on after the sun goes down.
Rats love to hide in jumbles of unused stuff, so keep rooms that are not used often clutter and dust and vacuum frequently. Attics and basements are very common places to find mice, especially since they are usually dark and cool.
You also need to make sure your garden is tidy so that rodents don’t hide in it and get inside. Rake the leaves frequently and don’t pile up junk and litter in your backyard.
If you’re not sure how rats are getting into your home, have a pest control professional check your drains.
“Surprisingly, it’s estimated that 80 to 90% of rat activity is associated with drain failure,” says Kulinski. “Drainage companies are experts in drainage, but they don’t understand rodent behavior, and we find that they miss the flaws that allow rodents to use the drainage system to move between houses. ”
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One of the most common ways to repel rats is with electronic repellents that annoy the rodents but produce a noise higher in pitch than humans can hear. However, these repellents can be dangerous, and the jury hasn’t decided if they actually work.
Instead, try natural rodent repellents that are safe for you, your family, and your pets. Peppermint is a well-known rodent repellent. Use peppermint oil to keep rats at bay (it keeps your home smelling mint fresh).
Sholom RosenbloomThe owner of Rosenbloom Pest Control suggests a DIY concoction made with horseradish, garlic and cayenne pepper-rich oil. “Let the oil sit for a few days, then strain it. Use a spray bottle to coat the surface with rodent repellent.”
When all else fails, you can always “hire” a furry rodent control consultant to take responsibility for keeping your home rat-free while keeping your laps warm.
To keep the employee’s job as easy as possible, don’t forget to keep the cat food under cover. Also, empty the litter box often: Mice love cat poop, says Conti.
Of course, the best thing to do if you find a rat is to call a professional.
