Rats are a common pest that can invade your home, causing damage and carrying disease. But they don’t just stay indoors, they also often live outside and can cause problems there too. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to get rid of rats outside your home.
Identify the Problem
The first step in getting rid of rats is to identify the problem. Rats are attracted to food and shelter, so look for any areas outside your home where these might be present. Common attractants include:
- Garbage cans or dumpsters
- Bird feeders
- Compost piles
- Pet food bowls left outside
- Cluttered or overgrown areas
- Water sources
Once you’ve identified the problem areas, you can start taking steps to eliminate them.
Seal Entry Points
Rats can enter your home through small openings, so it’s important to seal any entry points. This includes gaps around doors and windows, vents, and pipes. You can use caulk, foam, or steel wool to seal these openings.
Clean Up Outside
To deter rats from your property, it’s important to keep it clean and tidy. This means:
- Picking up any fallen fruit or nuts from trees or bushes.
- Regularly cleaning up any pet waste.
- Clearing away clutter or debris.
- Trimming back overgrown vegetation.
- Cleaning up any spills or leaks.
Remove Food Sources
Rats are attracted to food, so removing any food sources from your property is essential. This means:
- Keeping garbage cans tightly sealed.
- Storing bird seed in airtight containers.
- Bringing pet food bowls inside after feeding.
- Composting in closed bins.
- Removing any fallen or overripe fruit from trees or bushes.
Use Traps
If you have a rat problem outside your home, you may need to use traps to get rid of them. There are different types of traps available, including snap traps, live traps, and glue traps. Snap traps are the most effective and humane option, as they kill the rat quickly and are less likely to cause suffering. Live traps can be effective if you’re willing to release the rats far away from your property.
When setting traps, be sure to place them in areas where rats are likely to travel, such as along walls or near entry points. You can also bait the traps with food to make them more effective.
Call a Professional
If you have a severe rat problem outside your home, it may be necessary to call in a professional pest control company. They can assess the situation and provide a tailored solution to get rid of the rats. They may use traps or chemical treatments to eliminate the rats, and can also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.
Problems Caused By Rats:
Disease transmission: Rats are known carriers of a variety of diseases such as Hantavirus, Salmonella, and Leptospirosis. They can spread these diseases through their urine, feces, and saliva, which can contaminate food and water sources.
Property damage: Rats have strong teeth that can gnaw through wood, electrical wires, and even concrete. This can lead to significant property damage, as well as the risk of fires from damaged electrical wires.
Food contamination: Rats can contaminate food supplies in homes, restaurants, and grocery stores by leaving droppings, urine, and hair in the food. This can cause serious health problems for people who consume contaminated food.
Allergies and asthma: Rats can cause allergic reactions in humans, including sneezing, coughing, and skin rashes. In addition, their urine and feces can trigger asthma attacks in people with respiratory issues.
Infestation: Rats are prolific breeders, and can quickly establish a large population in an area. Once a rat infestation takes hold, it can be difficult and expensive to eliminate.
Psychological impact: Rats can be a source of anxiety and stress for people, particularly for those with a phobia of rodents. The presence of rats can also be a sign of unsanitary living conditions, which can be emotionally distressing.
Conclusion
Rats can be a persistent problem outside your home, but with the right approach, you can get rid of them. By identifying the problem areas, sealing entry points, cleaning up outside, removing food sources, and using traps, you can eliminate the rats and prevent them from returning. If the problem is severe, don’t hesitate to call in a professional for help. With these steps, you can enjoy a rat-free property and the peace of mind that comes with it.
Get Professional Help: If you are dealing with a rat infestation, it is important to hire a professional pest control company to eliminate the problem effectively and efficiently. Professionals have the experience, knowledge, and equipment needed to identify and target the source of the infestation, as well as the skills to prevent future infestations. Rip Rodent Control Canberra is the best option for you in Canberra as they have a team of experienced and licensed professionals who use safe and effective methods to remove rats from your property. Their team also provides a comprehensive inspection and evaluation of your property to ensure that all potential entry points are identified and secured to prevent future infestations. With their expertise, you can be confident that your rat problem will be resolved quickly and effectively, allowing you to enjoy a clean and safe environment once again.