Rat infestation in the house, backyard, or garden is worrisome because rats damage the property, spread infectious diseases in humans and pets, pose a threat to their health, and create a nuisance. Rats have a great smelling sense that attracts them to the things they love, or they find a warm place to hide from dropping temperatures. Most of you must be thinking about what keeps rats away because half the work is done if you know how to keep rats away. Read the article to learn more about the tricks to keep a check on their infiltration. Kindly have a look.
Sign of Rat Infestation in Your Home
The primary step is to identify the presence of rats before moving forward to the next step to find ways to keep the rats away. Some of the signs are as follows:
Smell
Rat smell is the most common sign of infestation because it is unique. It smells like ammonia. If you have smelled it early, you will recognize it quickly. Even if you smell it for the first time, you can recognize it.
Noise
Rats have a habit of making squeaking and scratching noises, especially at night. So, if you hear any such noise, be sure that rats have made their hideout somewhere inside your house.
Droppings and Urine
Rat droppings and urine are another sign of their infestation. Rats have small, round, shiny black pellets, and mice have little pointed edges. Rats have the habit of moving along the same route along the walls or between furniture, leaving greasy smears that help you identify them.
Damage
Their damaging qualities are known to all. Rats are known to damage things like electrical cords, furniture legs, papers, blankets, and food storage containers, so keep an eye on the basement and attic where most of the items are stored.
What Are the Things That Attract Rats to Your Homes?
It is important to know about the attractions that attract rats to your house. Once you understand the reason, half the battle is won, as you can then find ways to keep them away.
Fruit and Vegetable Plants
Rats and mice love to eat fruits like oranges, lemons, peaches, avocados, walnuts, and almonds, so discard all the fallen fruits and vegetables from the garden to avoid rat infiltration.
Odor and Smell
Rats are attracted to the smell of pet waste, pet food, bird feeders, and garbage containers. Cleanliness can prevent rodents from entering your yard.
Overgrown Plants in the Yard
Make sure there are no overgrown plants in the backyard because rats get a hiding place away from predators in these areas. To deny access to rats in these areas, trim your yard regularly and remove the heaps of debris, bushes, ground covers, and compost piles.
Water Source
Water sources attract rats, so the best way is to cover or remove water sources such as leaky taps, irrigation lines, or water bowls for pets.
Storage Boxes
Always keep the boxes sealed to deny entry to rodents. If there’s any opening, seal it with concrete, metal flashing, or heavy welded wire.
What Keeps Rats Away?
To keep rats away from your house, you can use some homemade tricks and chemicals to prevent their access. Let’s see some of them:
Peppermint Oil and Cloves
This is a natural way to control the entry of rats. All you have to do is soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and keep them in places around the house you suspect are the hiding place of rats. Rats won’t dare enter the house.
Solution of Apple Cider Vinegar and Water
Put the solution in a bottle and spray it around the house entrance to see the result.
Fill Gaps and Holes
Check all the open holes and gaps and fill them immediately, as rats can find their way into your homes through these gaps and holes making your home their playground.
Use Traps to Catch Rats
There are many traps available in the market, which are kid—and pet-friendly but can trap rats. Add some of their favorite eatables, such as nuts and seeds, to attract them, and your work is done. Once caught in the trap, leave them at some deserted place.
Tips: Use gloves while placing the trap and eatables because rats can smell your scent on the trap and may not come.
Bait Boxes
Use bait boxes to trap rats and rodents. The pleasant smell of bait boxes draws rats close to the box, and they get trapped. Leave rats in their natural habitat.
Some of the Plants to Keep Rats Away
Plants such as bay leaves, mint, balsam fir, sagebrush, herbs (oregano, rosemary, basil, and black pepper), garlic, and eucalyptus help naturally keep rats away.
- Mint- Rats don’t like mint and the aroma of herbs.
- Balsam Fir- The oil extracted from the Balsam fir tree is hated by rats, so you can use it around the house to keep rats away.
- Sagebrush- The scent of sagebrush emits a pungent smell disliked by rats. This is an insmart way to repel rats.
- Herbs- One of the smartest ways is to grow herbs indoors and outdoors such as oregano, basil, rosemary and black pepper because rodents don’t like the smell of herbs and stay away.
Also Read: How to Use Steel Wool to Control Mice?
Conclusion
Rats are irritating pests that can be seen around the house. They can cause multiple diseases, health hazards, and damage to household items. It’s essential to prevent their entry into the house. I hope this article helped you handle the stress of keeping rats away.
