Rat Entry Points Into Your Home

One common pest that many Floridians have to deal with is rats. We know rats for invading homes and taking refuge inside attics. As unsettling as it may be to find your home has been infested by rats, the hard part is still to come. Not only do you need to have the rats removed, but you need to determine rat entry points in your home. In other words, how they got inside in the first place. Knowing this can help you prevent them from returning. The good news is that they most often use one of three common rat entry points to gain access to your home.

Chimneys

Chimneys are one of the most common entry points and where rats like to build a den for themselves. This is an area of instant protection from the elements, so once they are in they feel safe. You will know they are there when you hear squeaking or scratching noises coming from your fireplace or see rat droppings in the fireplace. If you discover rats in your chimney, then it is time to give the professionals a call to have them removed. They can also determine the best approach to deterring these furry critters from returning.

Utility Wire Openings

A seemingly strange phenomenon that many people have found is that rats enjoy shewing on electrical wires and pipes. It may be a way for them to grind or file their front teeth, which never stop growing. Having exposed wiring on the outside of your home can attract rodents but also allow them a space to get into your home. If rats have made their way inside, then you can expect to find some fairly costly damage to repair as they continue to chew on cables and plumbing lines. One way to prevent this from happening is to stuff copper mesh into and around any exposed wiring holes and use steel pipes to cover and outdoor wiring.

Tile Roof

Tile roofs have a great aesthetic appeal and can increase your home’s curb appeal. One downfall of a tile roof is that there are tiny gaps in between the tiles that allows rats to get inside the home. They are surprisingly impressive contortionists, so they do not need a large opening to shimmy their way inside. If your home has a tile roof, we recommend having someone come out and seal any gaps in order to prevent a rat infestation before it happens. It is best to rely on a professional for this job as they will be able to identify any possible weak points in or around the roof.

Conclusion

When in doubt as to how the rats actually gained entry to your home, it is best to call the professionals at Total Pest Solutions. Our technicians come to your home to inspect the building and its surroundings. They can determine any possible entry points as well as help you seal them off so that you are protected from further infestations.