It’s difficult to enjoy your property when it is overrun with rats. Rats are not just gross, they can be dangerous too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that mice and rat-borne diseases have the potential to infect humans, pets, livestock, or other animals near them. Fortunately, there are many ways you can keep rodents out of your yard so you don’t have to worry about these issues. Keep reading to garner more information.
Table of Contents
Seal all the cracks and holes in your house
One of the primary things that you need to do to keep rats out of your home is to seal all the cracks and holes in it. Rats can fit through very small openings, so you need to be sure that there aren’t any places they can slip inside at all. Pay special attention to pipes or wires as these are common entry points for rodents looking for a place to nest. If you have a chimney, make sure to get a cap for it and install screens on your windows and doors. Rest assured that the most reputable providers of pest control services will be able to help you address this issue accordingly. In this case, they will seal your house and also get rid of any existing rodents.
Use traps to eliminate the rats that are already in your home
If you have a rat problem inside, then chances are there is more than one. You may be able to catch them with normal snap traps like those used for mice or even glue boards that will trap them once they step on them. Be sure to place the traps in areas where you have seen rats or near their droppings so that you increase your chances of nabbing them. You will also want to check the traps regularly and dispose of any rodents caught safely.
- Use bait stations for outdoor rat control
If you are having trouble with rats outside, you can place bait stations around your property. These are essentially boxes filled with rat poison that will kill the rodents when they eat it. Be sure to place them in areas where children and pets cannot get to them, as both of these could be harmed if they ingest the poison. It is also important to replace the bait regularly as it will eventually lose its effectiveness.
Get a cat to attack the rats in your yard
A great way to deal with rodent infestations is by getting some feline assistance. Cats are natural hunters that love chasing after rodents, so putting them out in your garden or lawn can be an effective method for dealing with this problem. You will want to make sure they are confined to a certain area and also provide them with food and water so they don’t go elsewhere. Just make sure the cat is trustworthy as you do not want your pet eating the rats either.
Inspect your property for any rodent nests or burrows
As rodents are afraid of humans, it can be difficult to spot their hiding places often. However, if you know that there is a rodent problem in your area, then take a walk around and look for any signs of nests or burrows. These will often be found under dense brush or bushes where they can safely stay during the day so it’s best to go on foot rather than using machinery like lawnmowers to inspect your property.
Install a motion-sensor light around your property
If you want to keep the rats away at night, you can install a motion-sensor light. This will startle them and make it difficult for them to move around without being seen. You can also use this as a deterrent if you have any food outside that may be attracting them. Just remember to turn the light off during the day so as not to harm any birds or other animals.
Fill your home with as many natural smells as possible
Finally, one of the best ways to keep rats away is by making your home as unappealing as possible. This can be done by filling it with natural smells that rats do not like. Some of these include peppermint, lavender, and bay leaves. You can either place these in open containers or make sachets out of them and place them around the house. This is an effective way to keep rats out without having to resort to any other methods, but make sure you do not have small children or pets in your home if you are using these essential oils as they can be harmful when ingested.
If you want to get rid of rats without resorting to rat poison, then try the easy steps listed above. You can fill your home with natural smells, seal up all the cracks and holes in your house, keep food locked tight so that it doesn’t attract rodents, get a cat, install motion-sensor lights around your property, or put out mouse traps baited with peanut butter or cheese. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you take care of those pesky critters once and for all.
