Simple Ways To Prevent Rats From Getting Into Your Roof

Your home is supposed to be your haven. But if roof rats are keeping you up at night with all their scratching and scurrying sounds, it can be hard to feel at peace. There are steps to take if you suspect you already have a pest issue — and ones that can help keep rats away in the first place. Since it's much easier to take action before they invite themselves into your house, it's a good idea to start with a few preventative methods. Amazingly, even simple things like cleaning up around your home and property can make a big difference.

Roof rats love to sneak in and take over ceilings, attics, and walls, building nests in these hidden spots. They can cause damage by chewing important wires around the house, and also ones in your vehicle. You likely have an infestation if you start noticing droppings, urine odor, gnawed wood and wires, grease stains, nightly sounds, or of course, a rat itself. Roof rats breed often, so your issue can get much worse in a short amount of time. Luckily, there are things you can do to avoid these pests taking over your home in the first place.

Roof rats are not only talented climbers, but they can get into your home through very small openings. It's important to get all areas blocked off that might be used as their entryways. Look for any gaps that are 1/4 inch or more, and seal them off with the most appropriate material, such as steel mesh or caulk. Use the mesh to keep the rats from entering pipes, vents, and any open spots along the roof. Also, replace any window screens that aren't in good shape.

These types of rats can also climb trees to gain access to your home. Keep your branches trimmed at all times so they're not near the structure, and consider eliminating any vines or shrubbery against the exterior as well. Rats are also a type of pest that loves to hide. Take control by keeping bushes thinned out, cleaning up your shed, bagging up leaves, and thinking twice before stacking wood on the exterior of your home (or getting rid of woodpiles all together). Make a loop around your property to look for areas that would make great hiding spots.

Rodents enjoy a good messy home, as it gives them more places to hide and more opportunities to find food that's been left out. Sanitation is extremely important when it comes to preventing a roof rat infestation. Be sure to store all dry foods, such as grains, snacks, and cereals, in air-tight containers. Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink or lying around the house, either. If you have pet food, it too must be stored properly so rats can't find their way in. Also, if your pet doesn't finish their food, don't leave the bowl out overnight. 

Make sure your home's trash is concealed and taken out often. This includes getting rid of things like extra pieces of cardboard, which are excellent for nest building. They should have tight-fitting lids that will help keep the rats out. The main goal is to eliminate anything that will give the pests nourishment or materials that will help them thrive.

Just like inside the home, your yard should be free of food and water sources for roof rats. They'll consume practically anything, as long as it keeps their bellies full. If you have a bird feeder or garden, keep the food and extra seeds stored away in sealed containers. Pick up any fruit that falls from trees and your pets' feces, too (which they don't have a problem with eating). As for water sources, check that you don't have leaky pipes or standing water. Rats will sip from bird baths, puddles, or even pet bowls, so be careful you're not giving them a reliable place to get a drink.

By being proactive with your home and yard, hopefully roof rats will not become an issue. If it seems like you have an infestation, it's a good idea to seek out professional help to get the problem taken care of before it gets even worse. You can use trapping methods as well, but the key is to try and make your unappealing or difficult to take over in the first place. Hopefully, this will stop the problem before it starts, allowing you to sleep better at night and enjoy a home free from rodent visitors.