Rats are constantly on the move as they look for easy food and shelter. The neighborhoods in Vancouver combine lush greenery with busy city life, giving rats many reasons to settle in. These rodents can become an unwanted part of your environment in the right condition.
Vancouver’s mild, rainy climate provides rats with year-round access to moisture. Also, trash bins, compost piles, and pet food often give these pests easy meals. Older homes with cracks, crawl spaces, or aging foundations make great hiding spots for nesting. Rats are especially drawn to parks, alleys, and residential yards in the city. That is why homeowners should not ignore the importance of Vancouver pest control.
Common Rat Attractants
Homeowners in Vancouver might share their living space with rats because of the following:
- Unsealed garbage and compost. Rats can have a buffet out of open trash cans or loosely sealed compost bins. These creatures can smell food from far away, so garbage and compost must be sealed. They will chew through plastic bags or squeeze into small openings to gain access to these food sources. They particularly love to feast on food waste, fruit peels, and leftovers.
- Bird feeders and pet food. Feeding birds or pets outside can attract rats. These pests can target spilled seeds and uneaten pet food as they search for their next meal.
- Cluttered yards and overgrown gardens. Rats can hide in tall grass, wood piles, and dense bushes. A cluttered or unkempt yard gives them protection from predators and weather. Not maintaining your yard increases you risk of an infestation.
- Broken vents and cracks in walls. Rats can squeeze through tiny holes. They can enter homes through damaged vent covers, crawl space openings, or small gaps in walls and foundations. They might nest in attics, basements, or between walls.
- Standing water and leaky pipes. Rats need water to survive. They can get the moisture they need from puddles, clogged gutters, or dripping pipes, especially during the dry season. Damp basements or bathrooms can also provide perfect conditions for nesting.
How to Keep Rats Away
You can prevent rats from setting up camp inside your home by taking the following steps:
- Secure trash and compost. Use sealed containers for garbage and compost. Also, keep bins off the ground or in closed storage areas. Rinse containers regularly to remove lingering food smells.
- Feed pets indoors. Store pet food in sealed containers indoors, so rats cannot smell them from afar. Clean up any spilled food right away, especially at night when rats are most active.
- Trim and clean your yard. Trim back bushes and shrubs near your home. Remove yard clutter like unused pots, toys, or firewood stacked close to walls. These hiding spots make your property more appealing to rats.
- Seal ENTRY POINTS. Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, and holes. You may find these openings around vents, pipes, and doors. Use steel wool and caulk to block small holes. Also, install metal mesh over vents. Door sweeps can help seal gaps under doors where rats might enter.
- Fix leaks and reduce moisture. Repair dripping faucets, leaking pipes, or any areas where water pools around your home. Using a dehumidifier in damp areas can help reduce moisture.
- Seek professional rat control services. DIY efforts may not be enough, especially if rats have built nests inside your home. Many Vancouver residents trust Pointe Pest Control whenever they need pest control assistance. The pest control company’s team of technicians understands the local rat challenges and uses the best solutions when dealing with them. CEO Jacob Borg emphasizes the importance of both treatment and prevention when it comes to rats.
