Nothing disturbs a serene home quite like the thought of unwelcome guests scurrying behind the walls. It is nothing more than unsettling, to discover signs of rats in your home. These clever and persistent creatures are experts at squeezing through the tiniest openings, searching for food, warmth, and shelter.
The good news? With a bit of vigilance and some simple preventative steps, you can protect your home and keep rats firmly on the outside.
Fortify your entryways
Think of your home as a fortress – rats need only the smallest crack (as little as a coin-sized gap) to slip inside. Walk the perimeter of your house with a discerning eye: check around doors, windows, foundations, and anywhere pipes or wires enter.
- Spaces around doors and windows
- Cracks in walls or foundations
- Gaps where pipes, wires, or vents enter your home
Seal these with materials rats can’t chew through, such as steel wool, wire mesh, or cement filler. Avoid soft foams or caulking alone – rats can gnaw through them in no time.
Store food beautifully & securely
An organised pantry isn’t just visually pleasing – it’s also rat-proof. Glass jars, ceramic canisters, or airtight containers protect dry goods while elevating your kitchen aesthetic. Make it a ritual to clear away crumbs, wipe down counters, and secure rubbish bins with snug-fitting lids. Even pet bowls should be tidied up overnight.
A rat’s sharp nose can sniff out food from far away.
Edit your spaces
Rats love clutter. Clutter gives them both cover and nesting material. Inside, aim for clean lines and elevated storage, whether in basements, attics, or garages. Outdoors, trim overgrown plants, keep woodpiles away from the house, and avoid leaving cardboard boxes or unused items near walls. A well-edited space isn’t just chic—it’s practical.
Keep the kitchen gleaming
Rats are drawn to kitchens like moths to light. Make yours less appealing with nightly resets: sweep floors, clear sinks, and keep drains grease-free. This not only keeps pests at bay but ensures you wake up to a sparkling, welcoming kitchen each morning.
A spotless kitchen leaves little reason for rats to linger.
Lean into natural deterrents
For a softer, more natural approach, use scents rats dislike. A few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil on cotton pads placed near entry points can help, while cloves tucked into drawers or cupboards offer both fragrance and function.
Know when to call the experts
If you notice droppings, gnaw marks, or the unmistakable sound of scratching in the walls, it’s time to bring in professional reinforcements. A pest control service can identify the source, remove the infestation, and set up preventative measures to stop it from happening again.
Keeping rats out isn’t just about pest control—it’s about preserving the peace and comfort of your home. With mindful maintenance, a little organisation, and a few stylishly practical habits, you’ll create a space that feels safe, serene, and completely yours.
Compiled by Amy Steenkamp
First published on Woman and Home
Also see: Your kitchen sponge might be the dirtiest thing in your home
