Planning your strategic ContraPest deployment is key to making an impact on your property. The following details how to evaluate your location and address any areas that might allow access for rats.
Ultimately, you want to make your property as uninviting to rat populations as possible. The best offense is a strong defense, and this is certainly true of residential rat control.
In order to “build out” rats you need to remove the clutter from the outside of your home. Even a yard that looks tidy can be hiding areas that attract rats for various reasons.
Here, we take you through the particular places to pay attention to, and suggest some decluttering tips based on industry best practices.
Take a look around your yard and the perimeter of your property to clean up any areas that might support a rat population.
And don't forget...
Yard Trimmings & Garden Waste
Always clear away yard and garden waste: leaves, pine needles, garden and other vegetation. This includes brush and debris piles, all of which provide cover and hiding locations for rats and other pests. Reduce harborage by eliminating weeds, refuse piles, overgrown vegetation and rubbish piles.
Firewood, Lumber, Other Construction Materials
Stack firewood, lumber, and other materials at least 12 inches from walls, fences, and other manmade structures, keeping them at least 18 inches off the ground.
Bird & Wildlife Feeders and Waterers
Eliminate bird feeders because these are one of the top food sources that will attract rats to your property. The same goes for bird baths and other containers that can hold water. Rats need daily and abundant access to water sources in order to survive. Making it more difficult for rats to find liquid will make your property less attractive to rats.
Once the landscaping surrounding your home has been decluttered and you’ve done a thorough job trouble-shooting any areas that might attract rats, you’ll want to turn your attention to the structure(s) supporting and/or surrounding your home.
Once the landscaping surrounding your home has been decluttered and you’ve done a thorough job trouble-shooting any areas that might attract rats, you’ll want to turn your attention to the structure(s) supporting and/or surrounding your home.
Seal cracks and openings in building foundations and in particular, any openings larger than ¼ inch. Openings where utilities enter buildings should be sealed tightly with metal or concrete, including rat-guard materials. Floor drains and sewer pipes should be covered with tightly fitted grates that have openings less than ¼ inch.
And don't forget...
Roof & Eaves
Tree branches should be trimmed at least six (6) feet away from the building, and especially the roof.
Shingles & Other Roof Covering Materials
Ensure that these are in good condition with no cracks or gaps. If necessary, roof soffits and fascia should be repaired to ensure tight construction with no cracks, gaps, or holes.
Gutters & Drains
Ensure that gutters and drainage systems are functioning properly and there are no leaks, back-ups, or overflows.
Openings where utilities enter buildings should be sealed tightly with metal or concrete, including rat-guard materials.
Remove dry rot and seal up other gaps and openings in wood trim, window, door, and siding materials.
Dryer vents: seal gaps around the wall penetrations with rat proof (resistant) materials. Cover the entrance of the dryer vent with a metal mesh / guard with openings no larger than ¼”.
Upgrade doors, windows, and screens to ensure tight and secure seals. Install door sweeps if door thresholds have a gap larger than ¼ inch wide.
It’s not just the interior and exterior structures on your property, but also the areas associated with certain inhabitants, like your pets that require your rat-troubleshooting attention.
Store pet food in rodent-proof buildings, rooms, or containers such as metal trash cans.
Store bulk foods in rodent-proof buildings, rooms, or containers whenever possible.
Store animal feed, seeds, and grains in rodent-proof buildings, rooms, or containers such as metal trash cans or similar.
Inside your home, be sure to remove food-based garbage and do not leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Never leave garbage where it is accessible to wildlife, especially rats.
Make sure garbage is regularly hauled away and properly disposed of.
Place garbage and trash in garbage cans and industrial dumpsters with tight fitting covers.
Inspect the trash area for underground burrows.
Regularly clean and maintain garbage / trash areas.
Elevate trash cans to prevent tipping and make it more difficult for rats to access.
