Rats are not just a winter problem; summer heat drives them indoors seeking food, water, and refuge. A cheap and effective solution is steel wool, available at Asda for just 36p per pack when bought in a three-pack for £1.08.
Why Rats Invade in Summer
During hot spells, rodents slip into properties through tiny openings. Your garden, with fruit trees and barbecues, provides an ideal food supply and hiding spots. Saif Derzi, founder of Property Buyers Today, warns: "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."
How Steel Wool Works
Steel wool's compact, rough fibres are impossible for rats to gnaw through without injuring their gums. By blocking gaps around pipes, cables, windows, and doors, you can prevent entry. Derzi advises checking for damaged air bricks, cracks in walls and foundations, and broken drains.
Additional Preventive Measures
Homeowners should also secure bins, remove potential food sources, and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight. Common signs of rats include droppings, scratching noises, gnaw marks, and damage to insulation, wiring, and pipework.
When to Call Professionals
While DIY measures help, Derzi stresses: "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."
