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Rat Control in Vacant Properties

What to do if rats invade your vacant properties

By Heather WhitneyPublished about a year ago 8 min read
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No one wants a rat infestation, but when properties are left vacant for long periods of time, they can become a haven for these unwanted pests. If you're a property owner or manager, it's important to take steps to keep rats away and protect your investment.

In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips for controlling rats in vacant properties. Stay tuned!

Why Rats Invade Vacant Properties?

If you've ever stepped into a vacant property and found yourself face-to-face with a rat, you're not alone.

Every year, thousands of rats invade homes and businesses that have been left empty for extended periods of time. But why do they do it? There are a number of reasons why rats are drawn to vacant properties.

1. They're looking for food.

Rats are scavengers, so they're always on the lookout for a free meal. If there's an easy source of food available, they'll go for it. Vacant properties are often full of food scraps and other potential rat snacks.

2. They're looking for shelter.

Rats need somewhere to nest and keep warm, and vacant properties can provide the perfect shelter. They'll often build their nests in attics, basements, or other hidden areas.

3. They're looking for mates.

Rats are social creatures, so they're always on the lookout for new mates. If there's a vacant property available, they'll use it as a place to find mates and start a new colony.

4. They're looking for safety.

Vacant properties can provide rats with a safe place to hide from predators. They'll often take refuge in attics, basements, or other hidden areas.

5. They're looking for a new home.

Sometimes rats will simply be looking for a new place to call home. If they find a vacant property that meets their needs, they may decide to move in permanently. And, especially if that home is empty and abandoned, it would be a perfect spot for them.

How Do Rats Get into Vacant Homes?

1. Through Holes and Cracks

Rats are able to squeeze their bodies through incredibly small spaces - oftentimes, smaller than the diameter of a quarter. If there are any cracks or holes on the exterior of your home, rats will likely be able to find their way in. Be sure to check around your home for any potential entry points and seal them up with caulk or steel wool.

2. Through Sewer Lines

Another way that rats can get into your home is through the sewer lines. If there are any cracks or holes in your sewer lines, rats will be able to enter your home through them. Additionally, if you have a toilet that does not flush properly, rats may be able to swim up through the bowl and into your home.

3. Through Vents and Chimneys

Rats can also enter your home through vents and chimneys. If you have any openings on the exterior of your home that lead into the attic or crawlspace, rats will likely be able to find their way in. Be sure to check all of your vents and chimneys for potential entry points and seal them up with wire mesh or hardware cloth.

4. Through Garage Doors

Another common entry point for rats is through garage doors. If there is any gap between the bottom of your garage door and the ground, rats will likely be able to squeeze through it. Additionally, if you have a pet door leading from your garage into your home, rats may be able to enter through it as well.

5. Through Doors and Windows

Finally, rats can also enter your home through doors and windows that are not properly sealed. If there are any gaps or cracks around the perimeter of your doors or windows, rats will likely be able to find their way in. Be sure to check all of your doors and windows for potential entry points and seal them up with caulk or weather stripping.

Signs for Rat Activity on Your Property

1. Droppings

One of the most obvious signs that you have rats on your property is the presence of droppings. Rat droppings are typically small and black, and can be found in a variety of locations, such as in cupboards, under sinks, and in attics. If you find rat droppings in your home, it is important to clean them up immediately as they can contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness in humans.

2. Gnaw Marks

Rats are known for their gnawing habits, and one way to tell if you have rats on your property is the presence of gnaw marks. Gnaw marks are typically small and located near food sources or where rats have access to chewing materials, such as wood. If you find gnaw marks in your home, it is important to take measures to prevent rats from gaining access to food or chewing materials.

3. Burrows

Another sign that you have rats on your property is the presence of burrows. Rat burrows are typically small and located near food sources or shelters. If you find burrows on your property, it is important to take measures to prevent rats from gaining access to your home.

4. Nests

Rats will also build nests in order to shelter themselves from the cold weather. Rat nests are typically made from materials such as paper, cloth, or insulation, and are usually located in dark, hidden areas. If you find a rat nest on your property, it is important to remove it immediately as it can attract other rats and pests.

5. Footprints

Another sign that you have rats on your property is the presence of footprints. Rat footprints are typically small and found in dusty areas or near food sources. If you find footprints on your property, it is important to take measures to prevent rats from gaining access to your home

How To Get Rid of Rats in Your Vacant Home

If you've ever had the pleasure of sharing your home with rats, then you know how pesky and destructive they can be. They'll chew through walls, destroy insulation, and contaminate food sources - all while spreading disease. If you've recently moved out of your home and it's now vacant, you may be wondering how to get rid of rats. Here are a few tips:

1. First, figure out how they're getting into your home. Rats can squeeze through tiny spaces, so check for cracks and holes in your walls, floors, and ceilings. Also, take a look at your windows and doors to make sure they're sealed properly.

2. Once you've located their point of entry, block it off with wire mesh, caulk, or another sealant. This will prevent new rats from coming in and will also force the existing ones to leave in search of food.

3. Set traps. There are many different types of traps available, so choose the one that's right for you. Snap traps are one option, but if you're worried about them being too dangerous, there are also glue traps and live traps that will capture the rats without harming them.

4. If all else fails, you can always try repellents. These come in both chemical and natural forms, so again, choose the option that's right for you. Be warned, though - repellents won't actually kill the rats, they'll just make them go away for a while. So if you go this route, be sure to seal up any openings in your home so they can't come back in when the repellent wears off.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to get rid of those pesky rats once and for all!

Prevention is the Key

1. Keep Your Home Clean

One of the best ways to prevent rats from taking up residence in your home is to keep it clean. Rats are attracted to homes that have food and water available, so if you eliminate these sources of sustenance, you’ll make your home much less appealing to them. Be sure to sweep and mop your floors regularly, and wipe down all surfaces, including counters, tables, and appliances.

2. Store Food Properly

Another way to deter rats is to store your food properly. Rats can smell food from far away, so if you leave food out in the open, you’re practically inviting them into your home. Be sure to store all food in airtight containers and keep it sealed up tightly. You should also avoid leaving any food scraps or crumbs around your home, as these will attract rats as well.

3. Remove Clutter

Rats also love cluttered homes, as it provides them with plenty of hiding places. If you want to keep rats away, it’s important to remove any clutter from your home, including old newspapers, magazines, boxes, and clothes. You should also declutter your closets and storage areas, as these are prime spots for rats to hide.

4. Seal Up Entry Points

Rats can squeeze through incredibly small spaces, so it’s important to seal up any potential entry points into your home. Be sure to check for cracks or holes in your walls and ceilings, and seal them up with caulk or steel wool. You should also check around doors and windows for any gaps or cracks, and seal them with weather stripping or door sweeps.

5. Use Rat Repellents

If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection against rats, you can use rat repellents around your home. There are a variety of rat repellents available on the market, including ultrasonic repellents and natural repellents made from essential oils. Using DIY rat repellents is also another excellent option. You can prevent rats by using traps and poisons as well, but be extremely careful and follow directions when using them, as they can be toxic to the environment.

Conclusion

Although rat control can be a daunting task, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your property remains free of these pests. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this blog post, you can make your home less appealing to rats and help keep them under control.

Have you had any experience dealing with rats? Let us know in the comments how you handled the situation.

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Heather Whitney

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