Whether you’ve just got the keys to your new home and discovered a nasty surprise, or you’ve recently discovered droppings you have never seen before, discovering rodents in your home can be alarming.
The good news is, taking the right steps as quickly as possible can prevent the problem from getting worse, and fix it in the long term. Rats and mice not only cause property damage but can also carry diseases, making it essential to act fast.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you suspect or spot rodents in your home.
1. Identify the Signs of an Infestation
Before taking action, confirm that you have a rodent problem.
Common signs include:
- Droppings around food storage areas, under sinks, or along walls.
- Scratching or scurrying noises, especially at night.
- Gnaw marks on furniture, wires, or food packaging.
- Unpleasant odors caused by rodent urine and droppings.
- Nesting materials such as shredded paper, fabric, or insulation.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take immediate action.
2. Remove Attractants
Rodents are drawn to food, water, and shelter. Start by eliminating anything that might be luring them inside:
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Keep garbage bins sealed and dispose of waste regularly.
- Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
- Fix leaking pipes and remove standing water sources.
- Declutter spaces, especially in storage areas like basements and attics.
3. Inspect and Seal Entry Points
Rats and mice can squeeze through tiny gaps—some as small as a coin. Inspect your home’s exterior and interior for possible entry points, including:
- Cracks in walls or foundations.
- Gaps around doors and windows.
- Holes in vents or around pipes.
- Broken drain pipes or open drainage systems.
Sealing these gaps with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh can help prevent further infestations.
4. Get a Professional Drain Survey
One of the most overlooked ways rodents enter homes is through damaged or open drain pipes. A professional drain survey for rats uses CCTV technology to inspect your drainage system, identifying any cracks, blockages, or structural issues that might be allowing rats to enter from the sewers. If your home is experiencing recurring rodent problems, a drain survey is a crucial step in finding and fixing hidden entry points.
5. Set Traps or Call a Pest Control Professional
If you have a minor infestation, you can use snap traps, electronic traps, or humane catch-and-release traps to remove rodents. However, for larger infestations or if you’re unsure how to handle the problem, it’s best to call a pest control expert who can assess the situation and provide effective, long-term solutions.
6. Clean and Disinfect Affected Areas
Once the rodents are removed, thoroughly clean and disinfect the areas they occupied to prevent health risks. Wear gloves and use a disinfectant spray to clean droppings, nests, and urine. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings, as this can release harmful particles into the air.
7. Prevent Future Infestations
To keep rodents out for good, take preventative measures such as:
- Regularly inspecting your home for signs of new entry points.
- Keeping drains and pipes in good condition.
- Trimming overgrown plants near the home’s exterior.
- Storing pet food securely and keeping outdoor areas clean.
Final Thoughts
Although a rodent infestation can be stressful, by acting quickly and taking the right steps, you can protect your home and family. Getting a professional rat drain survey can be a game-changer in identifying and eliminating hidden entry points. It can also protect your home in the long term, as cracked drains can cause a lot more problems than just rats!
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