Where are some common rat entry points in residential properties?

Rats are one of the larger pests most homeowners will deal with, but that doesn’t mean they have a lot of difficulty getting inside. Today, we’re going to look at the most common rat entry points and how you can avoid a rat infestation.

The Most Common Rat Entry Points

Like other pests, rats will attempt to enter your house by any means necessary. This is often accomplished due to their large incisors that allow them to chew their way inside. To give you an idea of how vulnerable your home can be to these large rodents, let’s take a look at the most common entry points:

Cracks in Walls

Every house will eventually develop small cracks in its walls, foundation, and other areas. The bad thing about rats is that they’re able to chew around these small gaps to create bigger ones and then get inside. Depending on the size of the damage, you can seal it with caulk, spray foam, or weather-stripping.

Uncovered Vents

Vents will often give rats easy access to your home because they have openings or holes large enough for them to fit through. If your vents aren’t secured, you could find yourself facing a rat infestation sooner or later. Seal any gaps around the vent and cover it with a metal screen to keep these rodents out.

Garage

Since most of us don’t spend a lot of time in our garage, rats can stay in there for extended periods without being noticed. They often get in through the garage door or various gaps and openings. Seal any of these problem areas and also reduce the amount of clutter, which will make it more difficult for them to hide.

Holes in the Roof

Damage to a roof will often go unnoticed for weeks or even months, which makes it easier for rats to get inside. To keep this from happening, you should thoroughly check your roof at least once per year. If you find any damage, either fix it yourself or hire a professional for the job.

Chimney

Even though the chimney is a part of your roof, it deserves special attention since it’s so common for rats to gain entry this way. Rats love to make a home in your chimney because it provides them shelter and warmth. Inspect it for potential entry points and then seal any holes or gaps right away.

Window Gaps

It’s very common for gaps to appear around a home’s windows, making them one of the favorite areas for rats to slip through. If the opening is too small, then these varmints will simply chew around it until they can fit. Check each window and seal any gaps to prevent entry.

How to Keep Rats Out of Your Home

If rats gain access to your home, you could be looking at thousands of dollars’ worth of damage and potential dangers to your health. In addition to sealing entry points as described above, here are a few tips to help prevent these harmful creatures from entering your home:

• Look for the Signs — Be on the lookout for signs of rodent activity such as rat droppings, gnawed wood or cardboard.
• Remove Food/Water — Remove potential food sources such as leftovers and garbage along with any standing water outside.
• Call a Professional — The best way to eliminate a rat infestation, often even before it begins, is to hire a professional right away.

Contact ProHealth Pest Control for Help with Rat Entry Points

By understanding the most common rat entry points and taking steps to avoid an infestation, you’ll save yourself a lot of grief. ProHealth Pest Control offers rodent control in Tampa, and will get rid of rats and mice, cockroaches, ants, bed bugs, spiders, bees, wasps, and all other pests. If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, reach out through our website or give us a call at (727) 472-9420 to schedule a free consultation.