When the weather starts to get colder, rodents will begin to look for warm, cosy spaces to call home. Many homeowners are concerned about finding rats in the attic, and it is a very common issue all across the country. While getting rid of rats in the loft or rats in the porch roof are areas that we specialise in here at Area Pest Control, we know the best way to protect your home is to prevent these critters from getting in in the first place. There are a few things you can do to keep rats and other rodents out of your roof and attic space, and today we are sharing our top tips on rat proofing a loft.
- Complete A Thorough Assessment: The first thing to do when you want to rat proof a loft is complete a thorough assessment of the area. This will give you the opportunity to check every inch of your loft space and take note of any potential entry points for rodents. Even the smallest gaps can be enough for a rat to get in, and they will not be afraid to gnaw away at your walls to make their space even bigger. Make a list of every part of your loft and roof that could be an entry point for rodents.
- Cover All Vents: Most roofs will have air vents of some kind, and these are always a popular spot for rats and mice to use to get into your home. Invest in some thin mesh to cover any vents in your attic and prevent rodents from getting in. If you use a mesh that is small enough to stop rats and mice, you don’t have to worry about it preventing the vent from working properly.
- Check Drain Pipes: Many homeowners don’t think about drain pipes being a potential entry point for rats, but these clever creatures often use drains to get into properties. They can climb drainpipes and find their way into guttering around the roof, looking for any opportunity to get into the home. Block off the bottom of drain pipes with metal grates in order to block the way for rats and mice.
- Fix Any Damage: If there is any damage in your loft, then rats could use that as a way of gaining entry. Loft spaces are generally not checked on a regular basis, and damage can be left undetected or ignored for long periods. Eaves are a common problem as they can become broken and allow gaps for rat entry. If you have damaged eaves, block up any gaps with wire meshing.
- Limit Vegetation: Another consideration when looking at your rat pest control measures is cutting back overgrown and dead vegetation in your garden. Rats and mice try to avoid open spaces and will naturally seek areas of cover. By keeping plants and garden borders away from the exterior walls and as minimal as possible, you will give these critters less places to hide near to your home.
For more advice and guidance on rat proofing your loft, or if you are concerned that you have a rat infestation, contact our experts today.
