The winter chill may bring cozy evenings by the fire, the smell of fresh snow, and warm mugs of cocoa, but it also brings unexpected guests – rats.
That’s right. Just as we look for warmth and comfort indoors, rats, too, are making their way into houses in search of food, shelter, and a reprieve from the cold.
According to the National Pest Management Association, rodent infestations spike significantly during the winter months. If the idea of sharing your space with these furry invaders sends a shiver down your spine, you’re not the only one, but you don’t have to go into the battle unarmed. Your best weapon is preparation.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to keep rats away from your house this winter.
Why Do Rats Come Inside in the Winter?
Rats are remarkably resourceful survivors. When temperatures drop, their top priority becomes finding warmth, food, and water. Unfortunately, houses often check all three boxes:
- Food: Crumbs under the dining table, poorly sealed food containers, or overflowing trash cans are all irresistible invitations for a hungry rat.
- Shelter: Rats are masters at squeezing through tiny openings – holes as small as a quarter can grant them entry into your home.
- Water: Leaky faucets or pipes, pet water bowls, or even condensation are viable water sources for these rodents.
Your warm, dry, food-stocked home is essentially a five-star luxury resort for a rat in the winter. Without taking steps to prevent them, it won’t take long for them to move in and make themselves at home.
Why Are Rats a Problem?
Before you shrug off seeing a rat scurrying in your yard or crawling into your garage, thinking you’ll just let nature run its course, consider the dangers they bring:
- Health Risks: Rats carry a variety of diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. Their droppings and urine can contaminate surfaces and food.
- Structural Damage: Rats have teeth that never stop growing, so they chew constantly to keep them trimmed. This includes gnawing on wires (a potential fire hazard), wooden beams, insulation, and even concrete.
- Rapid Breeding: Rats reproduce quickly. Just one pair can turn into dozens in a short period, leading to full-blown infestations.
- Fear Factor: Rats are resourceful scavengers, spreading chaos everywhere from kitchen pantries to wall cavities. Enough said.
How to Keep Rats Away from Your House
The good news? There are plenty of steps you can take to keep out rats and other rodents, like mice. Here’s your go-to action plan:
1. Seal Your Home
Rats can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, so inspecting your home for entry points is critical. Use steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth to seal cracks in the foundation, holes around pipes, vents, or wiring, and even gaps under doors or between windows and their frames.
Pay particularly close attention to basements, attics, and garages, as these are more secluded entry points rats love to take advantage of.
2. Keep the Kitchen Clean
Rats enter homes in search of food, so don’t make it easy for them to dine.
Simple habits like sweeping up crumbs and spills immediately after meals and storing food in airtight containers rather than bags or boxes can make a huge difference. You should also take the trash out regularly and use sealed trash cans. This will help prevent rats (and many other types of pests) from raiding your pantry.
3. Secure Outdoor Areas
Prevention isn’t just about what’s inside your home. Rats often find ways in by lingering outside first. Keep your yard and outdoor spaces uninviting with these tips:
- Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house and keep it elevated off the ground
- Trim bushes and trees so they don’t touch or overhang your house
- Clear away fallen fruit or nuts from trees and shrubs
- Make sure outdoor trash bins are tightly sealed
4. Eliminate Moisture Issues
As mentioned earlier, water is a magnet for rats. Fix leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or other plumbing problems as soon as possible. Consider installing a dehumidifier in basements or other damp areas to reduce overall humidity.
5. Use Deterrents
If you’re worried rats may already be sniffing around, consider using deterrents. Some common options include ultrasonic repellents and natural repellents.
Ultrasonic repellents are devices that emit high-frequency sounds rats dislike. On the other hand, some people swear by peppermint oil or cayenne pepper sprinkled around entry points.
While they might be helpful in controlling smaller infestations, just keep in mind that these methods may only work temporarily.
6. Know When to Call the Pros
If rats have already made their way inside, or if you spot chew marks, droppings, or hear scratching sounds in your walls, it’s time to bring in the experts. DIY traps rarely address the full scope of an infestation and can often lead to more problems if not done correctly.
Stay Rat-Free This Winter with Kansas City Pest Control
Rats have no business cozying up in your home this winter. By taking preventative measures, you can protect your family, your space, and your peace of mind.
But if you’re noticing signs of trouble – or simply want to make sure your home is in the clear – Kansas City Pest Control has your back.
Our licensed experts use proven methods to stop rats in their tracks. From thorough home inspections to humane solutions, we’ll make your home unwelcoming for rodents (and prevent them from coming back).
Schedule a free consultation and reclaim your home this winter. Don’t wait – act now before your winter guests arrive!