There aren’t many pests that can also be considered pets. One of the most notable animals that can fit both of these descriptions is the rat. Interestingly, even people who keep these rodents as pets would freak out if a wild rat invaded their home. For this reason, we find it important to discuss some methods that help homeowners like you prevent pest rodents. If this is why you are here today, here is a detailed rat control guide for Phoenix property owners.
Why Rats Invade Phoenix Properties
Wild rats in Phoenix are opportunistic creatures. This means they go out of their way to make their own lives easier. One thing that is guaranteed to make a rat’s life easier is to invade properties. Our homes and businesses offer shelter from cold, heat, and inclement weather outdoors, and they offer easily accessible sources of food and water. The only downside to living inside with humans, for rats, is that they have to live with humans.
How Rats Get Into Homes And Businesses
The exterior of your home or business is your first line of defense against invasive rats. The better the condition it is in, the less likely these rodents will be to get indoors. If you do not keep up with your building’s exterior, cracks, gaps, and other openings will present themselves. To address these entry points, here are a few exclusion tips to try.
- Install door sweeps on all doors leading out of your home.
- Use a caulking gun and wire mesh to fill holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Install wire screens over our spouts and unprotected ventilation.
- Repair or replace window/door screens that are ripped or torn.
- Make sure your chimney has a rodent-proof cap.
- Keep unscreened doors, and windows closed as much as possible.
The Benefits Of A Clean Property
Keeping things clean is not just something you should be doing for your health and happiness; it also helps deter pests like rodents. We recommend starting with your yard. Pick up leaf litter, sticks, and trash, remove fallen trees and dead stumps, and do your best to keep up with your lawn and landscaping. Once you are done with this, move indoors. Wash down surfaces, mop floors, vacuum carpets, and reduce clutter where you can.
Ways To Limit Food And Water Sources
If rats cannot find anything to eat or drink when they invade your property, they will not stick around for long. To help you remove these attractants and deter rats in the process, use these 7 prevention tips.
- Pick up fruits, berries, and other produce that falls into your yard.
- Clean up thoroughly after outdoor gatherings.
- Avoid feeding your pets outdoors and wash out their bowls after every meal.
- Do not leave leftover foods out in the open but store them in air-tight containers instead.
- Make sure your trash cans have tight-fitting lids.
- Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and other fixtures around your property.
- Eliminate sources of water build-up.
The Better Approach To Rat Control With Green Home Pest Control
Your best option to keep rats off your property is to get a professional involved. For the absolute best services at an affordable price, trust our hard-working staff at Green Home Pest Control. We only use all-natural pest control products and keep our team up to date with the most recent pest identification, prevention, and elimination strategies. You can rest assured that our products and techniques are safe for you, your family members, and your pets. Give our team a call today if you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule a time to have rats removed from your Phoenix property.