Rats could very easily be labeled the masters of breaking and entering. If there’s a way to get into your house or other buildings, they’ll find it. Since they have the will to do so, you need to stop the ways they can get in. The interesting thing about rats is that they can contort themselves enough to fit through a hole the diameter of a silver dollar—or smaller. If there is a crack in a wall only ½-inch wide, they can gain entrance through it. Here are a few things to understand about how they gained access to your home

Why do Rats Choose Houses?

The myth is that rats like dirty areas. That’s not necessarily true. They are looking for warm places to nest near food. You may have the cleanest of surroundings, but if there are rats in your neighborhood, you should take precautions. During the summer months, rats may be content living in heavy foliage in your yard. Since rats have young year round, it’s best to be prepared at all times.

How They Get In

Rats are actually quite agile. They are capable of climbing any rough surface, such as trees or the stucco on your home. They can also maneuver their way into vents or attic louvers. They are also capable of climbing electrical wires or cables—and chewing through them! Wherever there is a small hole, a rat considers it to be an open invitation to come in. Rats do this by flattening and squeezing their bodies to accommodate an opening.

How do You Know Rats Are in Your Home?

You’ll be able to tell if rats are in your home a number of ways. If you see a small opening or crack that has dark markings around it, it could well be an entry way for rats. The markings are left by the oils on their bodies. If you find shredded materials such as paper, wood, or even clothing, you probably have rats in your home. You will also be able to hear them moving about in the walls or the attic.

What You Can Do

If you have a rat infestation, it’s best to have an exterminator handle the problem. They can safely remove the rats and their nests, plus help you by showing you where the rats have entered. It’s important to patch up any areas where they can access the home to avoid future infestations.

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