Rats are intelligent, resourceful, and persistent creatures. After they find a comfortable spot to nest, eliminating them becomes extremely hard. Sadly, a lot of people make mistakes when controlling a rat issue. These mistakes do not only fail but also exacerbate the infestation. Understanding these mistakes is the first step toward successful rat control. Also, pest control professionals at Pointe Pest Control recommend consulting with them first before taking matters into your own hands to avoid the following costly mistakes:
Not Addressing the Underlying Cause of the Rat Problem
A lot of homeowners concentrate only on getting rid of the rats they find instead of addressing what drew them to their homes. Food sources, easy shelter, and water sources are attractants that make a house irresistible to rats and other rodents. Even if you use poison or set up traps, rats will return unless you get rid of such attractants.
Food crumbs on the kitchen floor, overflowing trash bins, and unsealed panty items offer rats something to feast on. Pet water bowls and leaky pipes provide an easy source of hydration. Cluttered storage areas and overgrown vegetation create ideal nesting places for rats. Not addressing such conditions allows rats to breed more rapidly than you can get rid of them.
Not Using the Right Kind of Traps or Bait
Rats are cautious pests. Once they sense danger, they will avoid traps entirely. Cheese has been used as bait for rats, but although the rodents may consume cheese, they prefer high-fat and high-protein foods such as nuts, peanut butter, or pet food.
For rat traps to be effective, they need to be placed in the right location. Rats travel along hidden pathways and walls. You seldom find them venturing into open spaces. Thus, traps should be not set in the middle of a space. Rather, they should be placed along rats’ travel routes, near food sources, or near nests.
Depending Only on Poison
Sometimes, rodenticides can help kill some rats, but overusing them or not using them correctly can backfire. A lot of poison does not work immediately, letting the rat crawl into attics, walls, or other places that are hard to reach before dying. This results in rotting carcasses that emit an unpleasant odor that attracts maggots, flies, and more pests.
In addition, some rats may become resistant to certain poisons. Also, secondary poisoning can happen when wildlife or pets consume a poisoned rat. Pest control experts recommend a more comprehensive approach that includes sealing access points and minimizing attractants to ensure long-term rat control.
Not Sealing Entry Points
Rats issues tend to stick if your house remains accessible. Rats can squeeze through tiny openings and can find their way inside. Unscreened vents, gaps under doors, and holes around utility pipes provide rats access to your home.
Some people think that stuffing holes with plastic or foam will keep the rodents out. But rats can gnaw through such materials easily. The best approach is to use steel wool with caulking, cement, or metal mesh to ensure effective sealing. Also, it is important to thoroughly inspect the exterior of your house to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Failing to Address Outdoor Factors
Often rats establish themselves outdoors first. If they find a rodent-friendly surrounding environment, they can continue to infest your property regardless of elimination efforts.
Compost files, bird feeders, and pet food left out outside can encourage rats to set up shop. Overgrown shrubs, stacked debris, and woodpiles create ideal hiding areas. Standing water from birdbaths and clogged gutters offers hydration. Getting rid of such external attractants can help minimize the risk of a rat infestation.
