Our attics are very attractive hideaways for rats, which are natural climbers and will do everything to conquer the warmest and safest spot in the neighborhood. From this article, you will learn how to prevent them from entering your attic once and for all.
1. Seal Holes & Cracks
Rats are “professionals” at exposing the smallest entry holes in houses. Moreover, they are flexible enough to squeeze themselves into holes that are as small as a quarter of their body size. That’s why sealing any holes and cracks is amongst the most effective preventive measures you can come up with. You should meticulously inspect the entire exterior of your house and pay the most attention to the potential entryways in:
- Windows
- Doors
- Garage
- Walls
Even though you are concerned only about the attic, a full house inspection is necessary. Once you find the breaches, you have to seal them ASAP. The best materials for that are the ones that rats won’t be willing to chew through and include:
- Fitted or expansion foam;
- Copper mesh;
- Hardware cloth;
- Metal flashing;
- Steel wool.
If you find any large holes, you have to seal them using sheet metal or cement. If you don’t have the time for inspection, you can always hire a professional exterminator for that and get the best indoor rat repellent recommendations.
2. Trim Overhang Trees
Rats have remarkable climbing skills, so all the tree branches that overhang your roof have to be trimmed if you don’t want rats to use them as an advantage. The most potentially dangerous trees are ivy trees because they are common rat nesting spots. When you trim the branches, ensure that there are more than 4 feet between the roof and the closest branches as rats can jump that far.
3. Relocate Firewood & Remove Debris
Firewood storage and any piles of debris in your house are potential rat nests. All because they are warm, secure, and provide rats with insects, slugs, and other food sources. If you have firewood storage that is in close proximity to the house, you have to consider relocating it at least 10 feet away from the house. As for any piles of debris, you have to remove them in the nearest weekend.
4. Seal Trash Cans
Although we are talking about attic protection here, you should not underestimate the role of trash cans near the house as they can attract hordes of rats if you don’t seal them properly. Here are several ways you can do it:
- Use screw-on lids – it is a 100% way to keep the trash cans closed;
- Put heavy objects upon trash can lids – if you want a quick solution, simply put bricks upon trash can lids;
- Pull bungee cords – it’s a creative and yet very convenient way to keep the cans tightly closed.
5. Call The Exterminator
If the rats are already in your attic, you have no choice but to call a professional exterminator if you want to get rid of the pest problem for long. An exterminator will:
- Inspect your house for any structural damage that provides the rats with entrance;
- Control the population of rats by trapping them using best extermination practices. It can be very hard to lure the rats out of their hideaways, so it’s very important to seek pro assistance;
- Implement a set of preventive measures to ensure that rats don’t come back once their population is eliminated.
Sleep Well
If you follow the advice from our guide, you can be sure that rats won’t enter your attic this year. However, it’s important to ensure that you follow the same precautions next year too! Do you know any other tips on keeping rats away from the attic? Tell us about them in the comments!
