Rats can be a problem all year round, squeezing through surprisingly small gaps to get indoors. But there's a cheap rodent deterrent that could keep your home rodent-free this summer.
Many people associate rats with winter, when the cold drives them to seek shelter indoors. However, the summer heat can have precisely the same effect. In high temperatures, rodents squeeze into your home in search of food, water and shelter. Your garden can also become an attractive hiding spot and foraging ground — fruit trees and barbecues, for instance, offer them an ideal food source.
Cheap and Effective Solution
If you're looking to keep rats out of your home this summer, you needn't splash out. Instead, there's an incredibly affordable solution that will prevent rodents from squeezing through gaps in your home all year round.
Saif Derzi, founder of Property Buyers Today, said: "Many homeowners will be surprised that rats only need a gap of around 20mm, roughly the size of a £1 coin, to gain access to a property."
"Homeowners should check for gaps around pipes and cables, damaged air bricks, cracks in walls and foundations, and broken drains or drainage systems. The biggest mistake people make is assuming rats need a large opening to get inside."
How to Use Steel Wool
The first step is to identify any gaps around your property. Areas surrounding pipes, cables, windows and doors are prime entry points for rats. Any gaps you discover can be plugged with steel wool.
A pack of three is available from Asda for £1.08, working out at just 36p per piece. Steel wool prevents rodents from gaining entry because its dense, abrasive fibres are impossible for them to gnaw through without lacerating their gums and causing themselves injury.
Additional Preventative Measures
Saif said: "Homeowners should also ensure bins are securely closed, remove potential food sources where possible and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight."
"If you spot signs of rats, it's important to act quickly. Common warning signs include droppings, scratching noises, gnaw marks and damage to insulation, wiring and pipework."
While preventative measures can help, homeowners dealing with an active infestation should seek professional pest control advice as soon as possible. DIY solutions often fail to tackle the root cause of the problem.
