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3 Ways You’re Luring Rats into Your Home This Fall/Winter
As the weather cools down, rodents start looking for warm and cozy spaces to hide and feed, making our homes a prime target. Rats are especially prevalent this time of year, and if you’re not careful, they can create a big problem. Here are three ways you may be unknowingly luring rats into your home this fall and winter.
Signs of Infestation
Before we dive into how to prevent a rat problem, let’s talk about the signs of an infestation. Mice and rats are nocturnal creatures, so if you spot small droppings or gnaw marks on furniture or walls, or hear scratching or squeaking in the walls at night, you may have a problem. But, it’s not just signs of rodents that we need to keep an eye out for. Instead, we must also be wary of habits we have that make our homes more attractive to rodents.
- Garbage Left Outside
Rats love a free meal, so leaving your garbage can open and full overnight is sure to attract them. They can smell potential meals from a great distance, so keeping a tight lid on your garbage can or locking it away in a secure area is important.
- Clutter & Debris
Rodents naturally like to hide and nest, so piles of clutter are an attractive home for them. Old boxes under the stairs or debris in the yard make for the perfect hiding spot for rodents. Keep your yard and house free of clutter and debris to prevent rodents from settling in.
- Poorly Sealed Food
Rats will sniff out almost any food source they can get to. Leaving your pet’s food out, storing food in paper bags, or using containers that aren’t airtight gives mice and rats easy access to food. Keep food sealed in an airtight container and clean up any spills or messes immediately to prevent rodents from being attracted to your home.
Turn to Ecola Termite and Pest Control
Once you have rodents, they breed quickly, and getting rid of them can be challenging. That’s why it’s essential to catch the potential problem areas early by addressing the habits that lure rats into your home. If you suspect a rodent problem, turn to the experts at Ecola Termite and Pest Control. Their team of licensed professionals uses environmentally-friendly solutions to help you get rid of rodents and prevent future infestations. Contact Ecola today at 800-471-BUGS (2847) to schedule a FREE inspection today.
