How to Avoid a Ratpocalypse in Your Home

Remy may be an award-winning chef in Ratatouille, and we loved watching Fievel’s adventure in An American Tail, but seeing these visitors in your home is a lot less cute.

Rodents may be small, but they have a big impact on the health of your home and community. If you happen to see more rats congregating than usual, the answer lies in our crowded cities’ new way of life since COVID-19. According to the CDC, people have been going out a lot less since the pandemic, so our usual habit of discarding trash and food scraps has slowed down. Therefore, rats are having to adapt by finding new ways to forage for food. The downside is that these unwanted guests are invading our homes and city streets. Here are some helpful tips on how to protect your home or business from these rambunctious rodents.

Seal Open Areas In Foundation

One of the easiest ways to rat-proof your home is to seal in the cracks and holes in your foundation. Renowned rodentologist Dr. Robert Corrigan told the BBC that their powerful teeth can easily get through barriers like doors, plastics or fabrics. Therefore, it’s important to seal off areas that give rodents an easy way to access. Mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime and rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter. Since our cities have less garbage and litter, rats are super adaptable and will find new tricks to treat their hunger. You just don’t want that “trick” to be a hole in your wall.

No Food. No Problem.

Experts say that there has been an increase in rat sightings in major U.S. cities like New Orleans and New York City since the onset COVID-19. Rats are resourceful and will scope out something to eat if it’s readily available, even if it’s in your home. To ward off rodents, avoid feeding them any scraps or leaving food out. Cover garbage cans, and if you have fruit trees or a vegetable garden, take the produce inside soon after it ripens. Use rodent-proof containers if you need to leave food outdoors. Also, remove debris from your property such as tree limbs, old cars and appliances from your yard.

Set Live Traps & Bait

It may not be the prettiest way to get rid of rodents, but experts still say one of the most tried and true ways to solve rodent problems is with live traps and bait. A live trap is humane and poison-free. You can catch the critter and then release them back out into their natural habitat. Another option is a bait station. You can also use holistic repellents around your home such as peppermint. Peppermint oil irritates a rodent's nasal passages due to its strong menthol odor. Grow peppermint leaves around the perimeter of your home or spray essential oils to help deter their entry. 

Call the Professionals

"If you do see rats all of a sudden on your property as a result of this coronavirus pandemic, that is not a job for do-it-yourself," says rodentologist Dr. Corrigan. If it comes down to it, the safest and most effective way to ward off rodent infestation is to call the professionals. Rats rarely travel alone and often carry fleas, ticks, mites, lice as well as many diseases. It’s a serious matter to control these pesky critters. Learn about how Hughes can help with your rodent issues. No one wants a Ratpocalypse in their home.

Got Pests?

If these unwelcome guests are invading your home or property, call Hughes today for rat control and prevention. We’ll make sure they do the hard work so you can relax.