Rats are rodents. They cause trouble by tearing up insulation for nesting material or rummaging through your garbage. They also carry deadly diseases and gnaw on electrical wiring that leads to fire hazards. In fact, it’s best to keep rodents out of your house altogether.

Rat proofing your house takes some time. However, once you’ve figured out how to keep them out, you’re a lot less likely to encounter rodent problems.

Proof the House From Rats

The best way to keep rodent activity in check is by denying access into the home. Rats can get through quarter-inch openings, which means there are many places in your home these sneaky creatures can scuffle and squeeze through.

Get bottom seals for the doors and seal up gaps on the sides. Check the pipes and vents coming into your house and fix any holes or cracks with steel wool. Go outside and inspect the foundation for cracks, in addition to sealing up all cracks and holes inside the house.

Proof the Backyard From Rats

Your garden may be your pride and joy, but it’s also a haven for rodents. Proper garden and backyard upkeep will stop attracting rats. Foods, such as fruit, vegetables or seeds, are the first thing to bring rats to your house. Pick up fallen fruit and take away the bird feeder.

Unsealed food is a magnet for rodents and other pests, so keep all food in sealed containers. Garbage lids and compost bins need to be rodent proofed, as do recycling bins. Check the storage shed and pool area for signs of rodent break-ins.

Spotting a Rat Infestation

Rodent droppings are the fastest sign that you’re overrun with rats. These rod-shaped droppings are usually near food sources and entry points, such as underneath the sink. Once you find these signs, you have to be extremely careful, as they’re an indication of a rat infestation.

Call a rodent control professional that will eradicate and clean up the rodents, thereby protecting you from potential health hazards. Rodent droppings are especially worrisome, as they can contain the Hantavirus, a fatal disease transmitted by breathing the dust of old droppings.

Use a bleach mix or disinfectant to clean up the droppings and then call rodent control. Proofing your home from rats is never failsafe, but you can avoid exposing yourself to disease by keeping rats under control.