Rats are one of the most common backyard pests that homeowners encounter. While rats outside can be problematic, they can also be treated effectively. This article Pest Control Sydenham will provide tips on how to get rid of rats outside your house in addition to signs and tips that might help you identify where they are coming from.
What are rats?
Rats are small, brown, and rat-like animals that live on the ground. Rats can be found in homes, businesses and other places where food is available. Rats can cause problems by eating food that is stored outside of the house or by damaging property.
Rats living outside your house
If you're experiencing rat problems, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. You can try trapping them, using repellents, or calling a professional. Trapping is the most common approach and generally works best if done early in the season when there are fewer rats. Using repellents can be helpful but may not be 100% effective. Calling a professional may be your best option if repelling or trapping doesn't work. There are many options available, so it's important to find one that will work best for your specific situation.
Common signs of rats in the area
If you're seeing signs of rats in or around your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them. One thing is to make sure that food and water are inaccessible to the rodents, as this will help keep them away. You can also use rat traps and devices to kill the rats or use poison if needed.
Tips for rat removal
There are many different steps that one can take to remove rats from their home, outside of using poison or traps. This guide will outline a few of the most common methods that have been found to be effective.
1. Clean up any food sources that may be attracting the rats. If there are piles of food around the house, make sure to clean them up before the rats can get to them. Make sure to seal all openings into the basement, attic, and other areas where food may be stored so that the rats cannot get in.
2. Block off any entrances into your home that may be accessible by the rats. If there are cracks in the foundation or walls leading into your home, caulk them shut or fill them with mortar and pest control foam. Boards could also be nailed over these openings to keep out the rodents.
3. Get rid of any rat-proof bird feeders that may be attracting them to your home. Rats like to chew on plastic parts and can get stuck in these feeders, which can then lead to their eventual entry into your home. Remove any old bird feeders and replace them with new ones made from metal or glass if possible.
4. Install motion-sensitive light fixtures outside of windows and doorways near potential rat entryways (these lights should only turn on when someone is actually inside). These lights will scare off any rodents trying to enter through these entrances and will help deter future rat populations from coming back
What should you do if you also have mice?
If you also have mice, you should use the same methods to get rid of them. If you live in an urban area, traps can be effective. If you live in a rural area, poisoning may be your best option.
Further prevention methods
Further prevention methods for rats outside of your house include installing rat-proofing around the perimeter of your home, using a repellent that has been tested in labs and is effective against both rats and mosquitoes, sealing any openings where rodents can enter (including windows and doors), keeping compost heaps covered, and dumping food scraps in sealed containers outside.