Phoenix Rat Removal Tip: How To Keep Rats Out Of The Attic

The scratching sound of scurrying and gnawing in the attic is more than just annoying. It is enough to stop people in their tracks. It is the almost positive proof that there are rats in the attic. These pesky little vermin reed at an alarming rate and they can do a lot of damage to your home.

Rats in the attic are a nightmare to eradicate. Whether you address the problem yourself or call, a professional, it is almost always costly. Aside from the trapping and removal of these little rodents, you must also finance clean up efforts and repair any damage that has been done to your home.

It is always better to take a proactive approach to rats. If you can prevent them from moving in in the first place, you will save money and time. You'll also avoid the stress and headaches of dealing with a rat infestation altogether.

Yard

The first thing to do is start outside. If rats have no reason to move in, then you have done your job. Start by trimming branches and shrubbery back at least six feet from the roof top and the rest of the structure.

Ensure that there is no debris or wood piled up that would invite rats to take up residence. Remove any fruit that has fallen and trim palm trees if you have them. Rake under shrubs and keep any stored material at least eighteen inches above the ground.

It is also very important to keep all trash in secure containers with sealed lids. The same goes for dog and cat food. Rats find this stuff irresistible and they are very persistent. If they can smell it, then it will attract them.

House

Now you must seal your house to prevent them from entering if they do wander near. Inspect the foundation for cracks and seal any that you find. Inspect your home for holes near soffits, around piping and even in the crawlspace.

Rats can squeeze through holes as small as a nickel. They will follow wiring and air conditioning lines to get inside. You will also want to seal any holes near the chimney or where the pitch of the roof meets. Caulk any small cracks that you find and repair broken screens.

When sealing holes, you'll want to use steel mesh or stucco diamond mesh. Rats gnaw constantly and can chew through just about any material. They have even been known to chew through wood and concrete, so you must be vigilant in your efforts.