How To Prevent Rats from your Home or Business

Rats do not hibernate so can become a pest at any time of the year. During the colder months, rats tend to be more active as they stockpile food and hunt for warm, dry places to nest. Incredibly adaptable, rats have learned that living alongside humans is beneficial, especially during winter when they seek shelter in our buildings and use our food waste as a never-ending supply of food.

Our homes provide rats with warmth, nesting supplies and a food source, often leading to a spike in rat infestations during the colder months. Rats can seek shelter almost anywhere from homes to commercial premises, sheds to office buildings. Not only do rats carry diseases that can spread to humans and contaminate our food, but their constant gnawing can cause significant damage to pipes, wires, wood, and other materials.

Signs that rats may be moving in to your home or business premises

If you notice any of the following signs of rat activity, act fast and call a professional pest controller who can remove them before they become an issue:

1. Gnawing signs – a pile of wood shavings in your shed or marks in insulation or a wooden door.
2. Nesting signs – rats like warm, hidden places such as attics, basements or the cavity between walls to build a nest. Signs of nest building activity are small piles of shredded paper, cardboard, insulation or fabric.
3. Droppings – a large number of small, dark pellets when they are fresh. They look grey when dry and are often found near food sources.
4. Urine smell and stains – their urine is dark orange to brown and has a strong unmistakable ammonia smell.
5. Scratching noises, particularly at night, often heard from lofts and wall cavities

Rat Prevention Tips for Homes and Buildings

The pest controllers at Anglo Scottish Pest Control have given their top preventive measures to keep rats from gaining entry and nesting in your home:

1. Bird Feeders: Keep bird feeders well above ground level and clean up any debris regularly, as this can attract rats.
2. Keep Gardens Clean: Maintain a tidy garden to eliminate potential nesting sites.
3. Store Food Correctly: Store leftovers, bird food and pet food in airtight containers above ground level.
4. Seal Cracks and Holes: Check for cracks and holes around your property, especially around pipes and vents. Consider calling a pest control professional for rat-proofing.
5. Bins: Keep bins tightly sealed and stored as far away as possible from your property.
6. Compost: Avoid putting food in compost heaps and store them above ground level if possible. Keep your compost heap as far away from your home and outhouses as possible.

Natural Rat Repellents

For gardeners, knowing how to get rid of rats without poison is essential. As rats seek gardens for food and hiding spots, there are some plants which can be grown which will repel rats. 

1. Garlic: The smell can make rats uncomfortable, encouraging them to go elsewhere.
2. Mint: Rats dislike the smell of mint. Growing mint around your garden's borders can discourage them.
3. Herbs: Strong-smelling herbs like sage and bay leaves can deter rats and other pests. They also repel mosquitoes.
4. Flowers: They also hate the smell of some flowers like marigolds and lavender.

Making your garden unattractive to rats is crucial, and the methods mentioned above can help.

Consistent and timely use of these methods is essential for success. If you find you have a rat issue, it is usually best to call in professional pest controllers who can deal with the problem quickly and effectively. For expert pest control in Edinburgh, call Anglo Scottish Pest Control who have been in business since 1989.