Having rats in the attic is one of the worst experiences one can face. They are destructive, posing serious risks to both property and health. Therefore, it’s essential to understand why they get into the attic and how we can get rid of them.
Why Do Rats Enter Attics?
Attics offer everything a rat ideally needs to thrive, be it shelter, food, or warmth. Rats also consider attics as a safe place to protect themselves from predators.
Warmth
Attics provide insulation and warmth, especially in colder months.
Food Sources
If you have bird feeders, pet food, or garbage bins close to your home, rats have easy access to food.
Safety from Predators
Attics are typically free from predators like cats or larger animals, making them a safe nesting place.
Once rats find a suitable nesting location, they breed quickly, leading to large infestations. Understanding what attracts them to your attic can help you take preventative measures.
How Do Rats Get Inside the Attic
Rats are extremely flexible and can squeeze themselves to enter the tiniest gaps. Let’s look at some common entry points through which they get inside the attic.
Roof Vents
Roof vents are the most common entry points for rats to enter the attic if they are not protected with proper covers. They provide direct access to your attic.
Gaps in Roof Edges
Rats are proficient in finding out the gaps in your roof edges to enter the attic. These gaps can be considered one of the most common entry points and should be sealed to avoid rats.
Chimney
Chimneys are another entry point for the rats to enter the attic, specifically when the chimney cap is broken or missing. Rats use trees, gutters, or walls to reach the top of the chimney and enter the attic.
Holes in Exterior Walls
It doesn’t matter how small a hole is; rats can enter even the tiniest holes or gaps. All holes, including pipes and cables, should be covered properly to avoid rats in the attic.
Signs of a Rat Infestation in the Attic
There are a few common signs that you should know to identify and avoid rat infestations in the attic.
- Noises at Night
- Droppings
- Nests
- Gnaw Marks
- Odor
The Risks of Having Rats in the Attic
Rats carry different diseases, such as hantavirus and salmonella, that can be transmitted to humans through their droppings or bites. If you have rats in your attic, it is advised to reach out to professional rodent exterminators and get them removed. Let’s look into other risks associated with rat infestations in attics.
- Rats chew on electrical wires, which can cause short circuits and may lead to fires.
- Rats gnaw on wooden beams, insulation, and other materials, compromising the structural integrity of your attic over time.
- The presence of rats can attract other pests like fleas, ticks, and mites, compounding the infestation issue.
How to Get Rid of Rats in Attic
Rats are mostly attracted to attics, and almost everyone is concerned about how to prevent it. Here are some tips to keep your attics protected from rats.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect all the entry points, such as holes, gaps, or cracks, that may provide rats with access to the attic. Use hardware cloth or steel wool-type material to seal those entry points, as it is not easy for rats to chew these materials.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trim the trees to avoid rats reaching the potential entry points as rats climb the trees to reach the attic.
Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping the surroundings of your home clean can prevent rats. Secure trash cans with tight lids, remove pet food after feeding, and avoid food waste outside.
Use Rat Repellents
Rat repellents such as peppermint oil can be used to
get rid of them. You can place it in the attic if you suspect any rat activity.
Set Traps in the Attic
Traps are the most effective option when it comes
to controlling rat infestations. Use these traps in your attic, but make sure they are inaccessible to children and pets.
What to Do If You Already Have Rats in the Attic
If you are sure of having rats in your attic, take immediate actions to prevent further damage. Let’s see what you can do:
Identify and Seal Entry Points
To avoid further infestation, identify and seal all entry points from where the rats are probably getting into the attic.
Call a Pest Control Professional
If you have rats in your attic, calling professional mice pest control is the best option, as they have the expertise and tools to eliminate rats and prevent them from coming back.
Clean the Attic
Once the rats have been eliminated, clean and disinfect the attic to remove the remaining droppings, urine, and nests to avoid possible health risks.
Conclusion
We now know how rats get inside the attics and how we can protect our homes. By keeping an eye on early signs of infestation, identifying common entry points, and taking preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting rats into your attic.
In case of an existing infestation, consider contacting a professional pest control service to eliminate the rats, as they have the expertise and tools to get them removed efficiently. Keeping your attic protected from rats ensures both the safety and health of your household.