Your home’s structural integrity is always at risk when you have a rat infestation, as they will chew just about anything they can. Chewed up wires can also be a fire risk, which can be very dangerous.
So, what can you do to prevent rat infestations? Rodent proofing your home! Below are some ways to prevent rats from infesting your home

1. Bait & Trap: If you have any rats or suspect you have one, the first step in rodent-proofing your home would be to remove the current rats living in it. Snap traps, live traps, and bait traps can be good when searching for just a few rats. These types of traps also kill the rodents humanely, just be sure to get the traps labelled for rats. As a precaution, if you have children or pets, use bait stations where all traps can’t be accidentally touched by your little ones. Set these traps wherever you suspect them to be coming out or getting inside. Common places include ledges, wall openings, and attics.
2. Seal It Up: Once you’ve gotten rid of all of the current rats, it’s time to seal up your house and plug up holes. You can choose to use any type of material to seal up holes and cracks in your house, as long as they can withstand force. You can use something as hard and durable as cement, or you can use something easier but still effective such as plugging small holes with steel wool.
3. Landscape Area: Everyone likes seeing a bit of nature outside their window, but it’s also important to put some distance in between tree branches and your home’s exterior. Trim back your plants, bushes, and tree branches at least 3 feet away from any side of your home’s exterior to prevent rats from using them as their access way to your house. Having PVC pipes put over outdoor wires can also prevent them from using these as well.
4. Cleanliness Is The Way To Go: Remove any unsecured trash and clutter in your home and yard as these are the perfect shelters for rodents. Get garbage cans that have lids so that rats can’t get into them as well. If you notice that they’re still well-fed, try to stop feeding birds for the time being, as they might be getting their food from your bird feeder.
5. No Food For You: If you have a fruit-bearing tree, make sure to check and remove any fallen fruit from the ground. This prevents rodents from using your tree as a food source. Make sure to keep all greenery well-trimmed and pruned to prevent them from hiding food in them or using it as their shelter. One way to keep your trees and plants safe and healthy not only from rats but from other creatures as well, is to wrap a 3-foot high. Smooth metal sheet around your trees, because of its smooth surface, they won’t be able to climb up and get to the fruits. Be sure not to wrap the sheet tightly so as not to prevent the tree’s growth.
6. Planting Plants: There are certain types of plants that act as a natural repellent against rodents. One such example is mint. Rodents like to avoid the scent of mint, so plant one in your garden to enjoy its relaxing smell and the thought of a rodent-free garden. You can also just spread dried mint leaves around your garden if you don’t want a mint plant. Another suggestion is to apply drops of peppermint oil inside your house, especially in areas where you think rodents can hide.
7. Predators: This can be done in two ways. The first method is to make rodents think that there is a predator nearby by spraying predator urine around your garden. The second method is investing in a furry friend that will not only keep you company but will also scare away any rodents from your home.
8. Repellents: You can use chemical repellents like predator spray that will release a smell that rodents don’t like, or you can use natural ones such as plants that have scents they don’t like. Ultrasonic repellents are also very popular on the market nowadays, but they are proven not to be as effective as liquid and powder repellents.