Many homeowners believe that rats infestations are purely caused by sloppy housekeeping. Although it is true that proper attention to household cleanliness can discourage rodents from setting up shop in your home, other factors are involved as well. The cleanest houses can sometimes prove attractive to rats, so if you find yourself with a rat problem, don’t be too quick to blame the quality of your housekeeping. Rats are creatures of opportunity who will access your home if it is at all possible. Rats are a difficult pest to get rid off, so if you are dealing with rats, perhaps you should get rat control service.
The best way to keep rats out of your house is to not allow them initial entrance. Plugging up all outdoor entryways such as holes will keep rats from being able to enter in the first place. Remember — your rat control program needs to start outside your home. If they can’t get in, they can’t use your home as their own private quarters. Rats typically start looking for lodgings in human habitats during the autumn months when nighttime temperatures begin to drop. Pay special attention during this time to ways in which rodents may gain entrance to your home. It is much easier to keep rats out in the first place than it is to get rid of them after they have installed themselves comfortably in your house.
It is also important that you keep your yard space free of debris, especially areas that are close to your house. For instance, leaving piles of leaves or other yard waste lying around gives rats a handy place to hide while they are casing your house for ways to get inside. If you have a woodpile outside, you should make certain that it is up off of the ground by at least a few inches. Be aware that woodpiles are favorite hiding places of rodents.
If you do find that rats have managed to get indoors despite your best efforts, contacting professional pest control is recommended. Most homeowners who try to eliminate rat problems on their own only make the situation worse.
