If it seems sometimes as if we humans are merely living in a rat’s world instead of the other way around, this is because we are.  Rats got here long before us and they will likely be here long after we are gone along with their rodent brethren and cockroaches.   Rats and rodents in general have adapted throughout the years to every change climate and circumstance and we, as humans, could stand to learn from their example.

You may be asking yourself how it is possible for humans to adapt in order to control rats.  A good place to start is to consider the rat’s point of view and realize that by removing the things that are desirable to rats from your property, you have accomplished a great deal in deterring them.  Rats, regardless of the specifics of species, desire all the same comforts of life that we do: food, water, shelter, and nesting material (their version of furniture).  Rats are not so different from us in their needs, but some boundaries need to be set in order to keep them from sharing in the comforts of YOUR home.

Attempting to simply kill rats off, which is a Sisyphean effort unto itself, will work for a short time only to have us revisiting the problem every few months if not weeks or days.  As rats have learned to adapt, so must we, by controlling the things we can and in doing so, minimize their impact.  The good news is that rat control needn’t be complicated or barbaric when there are smart and permanent solutions available for every budget.

There are any numbers of ways a rat may enter the home from climbing up downspouts to jumping off of nearby low hanging tree limbs.  Rats are fearless climbers and jumpers and are simply searching for a way in to the structure for shelter from the elements.  Once rats have invaded the home, they must be removed before any efforts to keep them out can take place.  Once this sort of work has been finished, areas that have ongoing rat problems may want to consider installing bait stations to help control the rat and general rodent population.  Bait stations are now available in an attractive landscaping style resembling a small boulder.

Gardeners and fruit tree enthusiasts often find themselves in need of help with their rodent problems.  Citrus trees are a beautiful addition to any yard; however the fruits they produce can attract rats and other pests as well.  Harvesting fruit often and keeping it off the ground will minimize the attraction of pests and some pest management companies now offer to assist in these efforts.  Other edibles in the garden may attract attention from rats as well, and the only reasonable course of action is to harvest fruits and vegetables as soon as it is prudent to do so.

Rats love ponds, pools and irrigated yards and golf courses.  There is little you can do to change this reality, but it may be helpful in understanding how it could be possible for so many rats to survive in desert climates.  Irrigation lines are often chewed through by rats and other rodents in an attempt to find access to water, so you may want to look for new leaks in drip system lines.  Pool and hot tub equipment is often chewed through for the same reason, much to the frustration many homeowners.

Attics, crawl spaces, hot tubs and barbecues are favorite places for rats to seek shelter.  Thankfully, rat control in these areas is absolutely possible with permanent and customized solutions available from licensed pest and wildlife management companies.  Structural exclusion methods used by such companies prove to be the most effective and humane solution in a situation where rodents are present.  Exclusion has come a long way from it’s beginnings with steel wool and caulk and is far more attractive and durable now.  This method, once successfully completed, keeps all small animals out of the home which protects precious electrical wiring, insulation, duct work, and so much more.  It must be mentioned here that structural exclusion will only prevent damage from occurring in the home when all animals have been trapped and removed from the structure to be sealed up.  A trapped and panicky rat can be extremely destructive before they die of thirst or starvation.

Rats will use available loose brush (i.e. / twigs, branches, leaves, rubbish) to build a nest or midden outdoors rather than OR in addition to invading the home.  These middens take time to build but can grow quite large and complex over time and may house several territorial rat families.  To prevent such rat nests from cropping up on your property, it is advisable to remove any materials that may be used and easily carried by rats to build such a structure.  Pest and wildlife management companies may be utilized in order to destroy and remove middens.  It is particularly advisable to enlist help in dealing with midden removal considering that they can grow to weigh in at hundreds of pounds and may grow in height to six feet tall.  Help is also necessary in situations where a nest has been built in an attic area that may be difficult to move about within and the risk of exposure to infectious diseases carried by rats is highest.

Ask your friendly local pest and wildlife management professional today if bait stations and structural exclusion are right for your home and property today.  These individuals can help you fix the problems you have with rats and other pests as well as assisting to adapt your home to its environment and prevent pest problems for years to come.