How to keep rats away

Discovering rats (or other rodents, like mice) in your home or business can be very distressing. Luckily there are ways you can deter rats and prevent a rodent infestation.

Proofing your home to deny them entry, removing easy access to food and water and using other rat deterrents can really make a difference.

Rats need easy and consistent access to a water source, even though they only drink between 15 - 60ml per day. They will eat almost anything available, but they do prefer to eat small amounts of a variety of different foods.

Why are rats attracted to your home or business?

Rats of all species are drawn to spaces that provide three key resources: food, water, and shelter. These opportunistic pests can thrive anywhere that offers easy access to these essentials. 

In homes and businesses, rats are attracted by food scraps, pet food, improperly sealed trash, and even pantry goods if they’re not stored securely. They also seek out sources of water, which may include leaking pipes, pet water bowls, or condensation on appliances. For shelter, rats often look for quiet, hidden areas like basements, attics, or wall voids where they can nest and reproduce.

In urban and suburban settings, where buildings are close together, and food sources are readily available, rats are particularly common. Businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, or warehouses are especially susceptible due to frequent food handling and storage. 

Even well-kept properties can attract rats if there are structural gaps or cluttered storage areas where rats can hide. Identifying and addressing these attractants can help make your home or business less appealing to these persistent pests.​

Understanding rat behavior

To effectively deter rats, it’s important to understand their natural behaviors and habits. Rats are highly social and intelligent animals with excellent memory, making them adaptable to new environments. They’re mostly nocturnal, venturing out at night to search for food and water while avoiding human interaction. 

Rats also have strong territorial instincts, meaning they’re likely to stick close to areas where they feel safe and have reliable access to resources.

Rats are excellent climbers and burrowers, which allows them to access hard-to-reach places like attics, ceilings, and crawl spaces. Their natural tendency to gnaw on materials, including wood, plastic, and even electrical wires, can lead to structural damage and electrical hazards within buildings. 

Understanding these behaviors helps in identifying vulnerable areas around a property where deterrents can be placed effectively. By limiting access to food, water, and nesting sites, property owners can disrupt the rats’ natural habits and discourage them from settling in​.

Steps to keep rats away

By proofing your home, you will help to make it seem less attractive to rodents. Rats will make the most of any opportunity to enter your home in the search for shelter and food.

Following these steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of rats invading your home or business. Each step addresses a specific aspect of rat deterrence, helping make your property less attractive and accessible to these persistent pests.

Seal all entry points

Rats can enter buildings through holes as small as a dime, so sealing entry points is essential. Inspect walls, foundations, windows, and doors for cracks or gaps, and seal these with rodent-proof materials like steel wool or caulk. Pay extra attention to utility lines and vents, as these are common entryways​.

Also, fit strips to the bottom of doors and weather-stripping around exterior doors as a deterrent. Young rats can squeeze through small gaps under doorways and will also use cat flaps to enter. They will enlarge gaps by gnawing to enter homes via garages. 

Fill holes or small openings (around utility cables or pipe work) with stainless steel wire wool and caulking or concrete. Steel or aluminum plating can be used. Rats can jump, so check up to a height of about four feet.

Remove food sources

Food is a major attractant for rats. Store all food in airtight containers and clean up any spills immediately. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight, and be sure to sweep up crumbs and keep countertops clear. In commercial kitchens, thorough nightly cleaning is especially important​.

Keep your home and yard clean

A clutter-free environment reduces hiding places for rats. Indoors, keep storage areas organized and avoid leaving cardboard boxes and stacks of paper. Outside, clear away debris like wood piles, yard waste, and old appliances. Open spaces deter rats, making it harder for them to find shelter​.

It also helps to repair roof damage and use wire mesh to seal gaps. Trim vegetation away from your home. Rats climb along electrical cables or use overhanging branches to get into loft spaces and attics through gaps in broken roof tiles or under eaves.

A pest control professional can place rat bait stations in high-activity areas to effectively manage and control rat populations in your home or yard. By identifying locations where rat activity is concentrated—such as near food sources, droppings, or gnaw marks—you can enhance the efficacy of the bait stations. 

Practice proper waste management

Rats are drawn to food scraps in trash. Use sturdy, lidded garbage cans and empty them regularly. If possible, store garbage cans at a distance from your home or business and ensure they are tightly sealed. Rinse recyclables before disposing of them to reduce food odors​.

As an added prevention, keep toilet seat lids closed. Rats have been known to swim up damaged sewer pipes and get around u-bends in toilets. They will also use drain pipes and drainage outlets. Use tightly fitting metal grates or screens to cover drains, especially in basement areas. Check that all drain pipes are in good working order.

Trim vegetation near your home or business

Overgrown vegetation can serve as a cover for rats. Keep shrubs and plants trimmed and away from the walls of your building to reduce hiding spots and make it harder for rats to reach your roof or attic. Maintaining a clear space around the perimeter also makes it easier to spot signs of rodent activity​.

Secure pet food and birdseed

Rats are highly attracted to pet food and birdseed. Store these items in sealed containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. If you feed pets or wildlife outdoors, clean up any leftover food as soon as possible to avoid attracting rodents to your property​.

Fix leaks and eliminate water sources

Rats need a steady supply of water, so fixing leaks can help deter them. Check for leaks in pipes, faucets, and irrigation systems both inside and outside. Ensure that any standing water in planters or gutters is drained, as these sources can also attract rats​

Use natural deterrents

Certain natural repellents can help discourage rats. Essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus have been shown to deter rats, as they dislike strong scents. Soak cotton balls in these oils and place them near potential entry points or known nesting areas. 

Ammonia and vinegar-soaked rags can also serve as a temporary deterrent, although they may need frequent refreshing.

Signs you have a rat problem

Identifying the signs of a rat infestation early on can help prevent significant damage and further complications. Some key indicators include:

Droppings & urine stains

One of the most common signs of a rodent infestation is the presence of droppings, which are typically found near food sources or nesting areas. Rat droppings are dark, cylindrical, and about half an inch to ¾ of an inch long. You may also notice urine stains, which can appear as dark patches in areas frequented by rats. 

Gnaw marks & damage

Rats have a tendency to gnaw on various materials, including wood, plastic, and even electrical wiring. Look for gnaw marks or bite marks around food packaging, structural components, or furniture. Damage caused by rats can lead to costly repairs and potential hazards, particularly if wiring is involved.

Scratching noises

Since rats are mostly nocturnal, they are more active at night. If you hear scratching noises coming from walls, ceilings, or floors, it may indicate that rats are moving around your property. These sounds can be particularly noticeable in quiet environments and can serve as a clear warning of an infestation.

Grease smears & tracks

Rats often leave behind grease marks on surfaces they commonly traverse. This occurs because their bodies accumulate dirt and oils as they squeeze through small openings. Look for dark smudges along walls, baseboards, or around entry points. 

Additionally, rat tracks, which appear as small footprints, may be visible in dusty areas or near food sources, indicating their activity.

Nesting materials

Rats build nests using soft materials they find, such as shredded paper, fabric, or insulation. If you discover nesting materials in hidden areas of your home or business, it is a strong sign that rats are present. Nests are usually located in secluded spots, such as attics, basements, or behind appliances, where they can remain undisturbed.

If you have already spotted signs of rats, such as droppings, prevention may already be too late.

Need help with rat pest control?

Regular pest control is often the most reliable form of prevention. Rat bait stations professionally managed by Ehrlich are trusted rat deterrents, and are safe to use even in locations where children or pets are present.

Your local qualified Ehrlich specialist can provide the most suitable treatments to get rid of rats in your home or business. Professional services are often the most reliable way to guarantee long-term solutions to pest problems.

Call Ehrlich today at 844-474-8120 or contact us online to see how we can help you with your rat problem.