Spotting rats or mice in your garden is sure to stop you in your tracks but finding them in your home is far worse.
As the colder months officially set in, these animals look to seek warmer environments that provide optimal shelter.
According to the RSPCA, many rats and mice will be on the hunt for somewhere warm, providing a good food source to allow them to thrive… which can often mean your home.
But fear not as there’s plenty of easy things you can do to keep these rodents away that won’t break the bank
One hack from a DIY expert requires the use of a simple 5p coin, helping you to be ahead of their game.
Rats and mice are particularly attracted to small holes and burrows as they’re secluded spots that are and often close to food.
These rodents are also renowned for their innate inquisitive nature and will often be drawn to small holes.
DIY expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades Multitools shared his “5p test” to keep the pesky critters at bay.
Peskett spoke with The Mirror and advised: “Take a wander around the edge of your shed or home and look closely and any gap bigger than a 5p coin should be sealed up immediately.
“The last thing you want is them entering your home and snacking on wiring, which could cause fires or shocks. Removing any entry points is going to reduce mice significantly.”
Some of the key areas which you may find these 5p gaps include via the attic or roof, through the garage, under worn-out weather stripping, foundation gaps, around pipes, electrical wiring or gas lines and through vents and airways.
Experts advise stuffing small holes with steel wool or using caulking or spray foam to keep it in place, further advising to pack the steel wool as tightly as possible to help prevent rats from chewing through it.
Other tips to block these entry points include using wooden molding, sealing outbuildings and garages and repairing any foundations that have a history of rat problems.
Rats and mice are considered vermin that can spread potentially serious diseases alongside damaging property and contaminating food.
As autumn closes, the food sources for these rodents begin to dry up as the vegetation dies back making them more active in the UK during winter
According to RSPCA, rodents are attracted to compost heaps and are a “major attractant as they offer food, shelter and warmth”.
The charity added: “Other attractants can be improperly stored rubbish bags, cat, dog or other pet food (particularly outside pets like rabbits or guinea pigs) and food left out for wildlife (e.g. hedgehogs).”
