As much as nobody wants it to happen, rats can invade our homes. And, while you may think it doesn’t happen that often, it can if you do things to attract them to your property – you may not even realise you’re making common mistakes.
Rats are commonly drawn to homes during the summer months as a result of better access to food, shelter and water. When we dine outdoors during the summer months, and leave windows and doors open, we can lure them in without even knowing it – after all, we’re providing plenty of food sources and accessible nesting locations that they simply love.
However, making a simple check to your property could prevent them from getting inside. Little you may know, they can squeeze into all sorts of tiny gaps.
Laurence Barnard, Country Business Manager and pest control specialist at BASF Pest Control Solutions, which has over 500 followers on Facebook, said rats are easily able to find their way into our properties. They may be a bother, but the pests are capable little creatures.
The expert explained: “Rats are surprisingly skilled at finding entry points into homes and can squeeze through holes as small as 2cm in diameter. They often enter through gaps under doors or around utility pipes, taking advantage of even the smallest spaces.”
Laurence added: “Broken drainpipes and underground sewer systems provide another common entry route, as rats can travel long distances through these hidden pathways before emerging inside buildings. Cracks in walls or foundations may seem insignificant, but rodents can easily gnaw them wider to create a suitable entrance.
“Their exceptional climbing abilities also allow them to access homes through gaps in roof eaves or loose tiles. Their flexible bodies and strong teeth enable them to exploit structural weaknesses that homeowners might not even notice, which is why regular maintenance and sealing potential entry points are essential in keeping them out.
“Their ability to flatten their bodies and squeeze through narrow spaces makes them far more adaptable than many people realise. This is why thorough home maintenance, especially sealing potential entry points, is crucial in preventing infestations.”
A simple way to aid this issue is by checking your property and sealing any potential entry points. To fill in any gaps or cracks properly, you should focus on finding where any potential openings are.
Then you can use durable materials, such as steel wool or caulk, to fill small holes. Larger gaps can be filled in with stronger barriers such as mesh or hardware cloth.
Laurence also explained what can draw rats to your property, and some things in the garden can atrract them. He said there are a few things you need to be mindful of.
The expert added: “Rats are drawn to gardens primarily because they offer everything they need to survive – food, water and shelter. One of the biggest attractants is uncovered compost bins, as food scraps and decomposing organic matter provide a reliable food source.
“Bird feeders can also unintentionally encourage rat activity, especially if seeds are scattered on the ground. Pet food and water bowls left outside create an easy feeding spot for rodents. Unsealed rubbish bins, particularly those with loose or overflowing waste, further increase the likelihood of rats visiting.
“Beyond food sources, overgrown vegetation, woodpiles and cluttered sheds or outbuildings offer ideal shelter for nesting, while garden ponds, dripping taps and other water sources provide essential hydration. All these factors combined make a garden an attractive environment for rats to settle in.”
If you think you have a rat problem, you are generally advised to seek the help of a professional pest controller via the National Pest Technicians Association or the British Pest Control Association, as they have the skills and experience to eliminate an infestation quickly and safely.