Sometimes the most effective form of pest control is preventing unwanted guests from entering your home in the first place. If you’re concerned about rats, the first step toward prevention is removing items that may entice them to come into your space. Below, learn what attracts rats to residential properties. 

What Items Around My Home Can Attract Rats?

1. Exposed Food

Rats often enter homes because they’re looking for food and shelter. Although your home provides a warm and comfortable atmosphere, you can try to keep food from attracting rodents. Avoid leaving food items such as fruits, cakes, or leftovers, out in your kitchen. Keep everything in sealed plastic or glass containers, and clean up crumbs and spills after eating. Even food in your garbage can attract rats, so take it out regularly and use a container with a sealed lid.

2. Plumbing Leaks

Rats also need water to survive, so a leaky faucet or pipe may convince them to stick around your home. Get these interior fixtures addressed as soon as possible to avoid issues. Additionally, exterior water sources like leaky sprinklers and birdbaths can cause them to hang around your property, which makes it more likely they’ll eventually venture inside.

3. Fruit-Bearing Plants

Even your lovely houseplants can be a source of food for rats. If you have any fruit-bearing trees or plants, it’s basically the same as leaving food out on your kitchen counters. They can also seek comfortable shelter in the soil. Opt for plants without fruit or buy artificial types to avoid unwanted visitors.

4. Pet Waste

Rats are really not picky about their food sources, and even pet waste is attractive to them. If you have a cat, clean their litter box as often as possible so that the rats are less likely to hang around indoors. For dog owners, clean up the yard so that they’re less likely to roam around your exterior. If your pet has any food leftover in the house after meals, try to keep it out of reach so that rodents can’t access the kibble or wet food. 

If you need any rodent removal or pest control services, contact Aardwolf Termite & Pest Control in Bessemer, AL. The exterminator offers services for everything from spiders to critters. They use products that are pet and family safe, and they are equipped to work with both residential and commercial clients. Visit the website to see a full list of pest control services. To request a service, call (205) 338-6615.