No one wants to be stuck with rats invading their home or yard. These pests do not just cause damage by chewing through wood and wiring; they can also spread disease. So, you can see why it’s so important to deter rats from taking over spaces on your property. But, you may be wary of seeking pest control help due to worries about the methods and chemicals used.
The good news is that you can speak to experts in green pest control. The methods they use are environmentally friendly. There are also things you can do yourself to stop rats from being a problem.
Keeping Things Clean And Tidy
If you want to make your home less enticing to rats, the one thing that you must do is keep everything clean and tidy. Rats are far more likely to take up residence if they can find an available food supply, as well as a convenient place to shelter. Make sure that you:
- Keep all areas of your home clean.
- Clear up all food scraps from meals inside your home and outdoor barbecues.
- Keep trash cans tidy and make sure the lid is always in place.
- Keep your yard tidy and cut back trees and shrubs.
Doing all of these things makes it less likely that rats will be attracted to your property. However, if you do see any rats around, make sure you clean any areas where they have been with a bleach solution.
Closing Up Entry Points
You need to make it as difficult as possible for rats to gain entry to your home. This is why you need to seal up any possible entry points. Look for any gaps in the exterior walls of your property, including around doors and windows, and make sure they are filled. Do not forget to check any possible access through the basement if you have one.
Creating A Trap
It’s possible to create a humane rat trap for your property using a container and an enticement, such as cheese or peanut butter. Once the rat is enticed into the container, you can seal the container and release the rat out into the wild with the promise of a tasty snack. If you decide to do this, you need to ensure that the rat is released well away from any properties.
Using Natural Deterrents
There are several natural deterrents you can use to keep rats away from your property.
- Ground black pepper. Rats find it hard to breathe in the presence of this.
- Bay leaf. Rats are attracted to these leaves, which are poisonous to rats when they are eaten by them.
- Rats do not like the strong smell of ammonia. Therefore, place a mixture of ammonia, detergent, and water in areas where rats need to be deterred.
- Soundbox. This device emits sharp sounds, which can damage rats’ ears and scare them away.
All of these tips can help you rid your property of rats. However, do not forget to keep all areas clean and tidy; doing so is the easiest way to prevent problems with rats. If you do experience any issues, do not be afraid to seek professional help.
