Rats can enter the home in many different ways, but there are a few main areas of concern. A rat’s average body weight is about half a pound, and they can squeeze through holes or cracks as small as a quarter (about an inch and a quarter). They chew through wood, drywall, plastic, aluminum, cinderblock, and even lead pipes to create entry points. That’s why they’re almost impossible to keep out of your house and other buildings. If you’ve got a rat problem, you’ll need to know how they’re getting in so you can seal up those gaps.
Why rats are bad pests
Rats are smart, nocturnal creatures that like easy access to food and water. That’s why they often move inside houses that provide plenty of food for them:
• The kitchen is the prime spot. People don’t store food in airtight containers as much as they should, and garbage is often left uncovered overnight or even for days at a time. These things make kitchens ideal for rats to find the food they need.
• Some rats prefer basements because it’s always cool there, which is exactly what these rats want to avoid heatstroke. Other types prefer attics because it’s always warm there.
• Rats are also drawn to water sources like bathrooms and laundry rooms, drinking from sinks or tubs or toilets.
Six ways rats can enter your home
1-Cracks in the foundation or walls
The most common way for rats to enter a home is through cracks in the foundation or walls. Rats can squeeze their bodies into holes as small as a quarter. Check for openings along the roofline, eaves, and where utility lines enter the house. Sealing these cracks can help keep rodents out of your home. Use steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth to close these holes.
2-Gaps around doors and windows
Gaps around doors and windows. If your door is too loose or your window doesn’t seal properly, a rat can easily squeeze through to get inside. Rats typically only need a 1/2″ opening to enter, so be sure to seal or repair any cracks or crevices.
3-Air vents or chimneys
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, rats can enter your home through the flue on the chimney. The flue is a pipe that allows smoke to exit your home through the roof. Any hole larger than 3/4 inches should be sealed with sheet metal or heavy wire mesh. Rats can chew their way through plastic vent covers and screen wire, so you’ll need to install something more substantial to prevent them from gaining entry.
4-Roof gaps
If there is any damage to your roof or gaps in your soffits, rats will find these areas and make them home. Inspect your roof for holes and damaged shingles. Hire a professional to repair any holes or damage as soon as possible. If you have soffits, make sure they are properly sealed. Rats will often climb down from the roof into gaps in soffits to access attics.
5-Drain pipes
Image: Rat entering a house through a drain pipe
In a nutshell, 90% of rat infestations start from the drains. Rats can climb up vertical pipes and get into a house from there, so it’s important to ensure that any pipework is in good condition and that all gaps are sealed. The same applies to other openings on the outside of the house, such as airbricks and cavity walls.
6-Holes in the floor
Rats can easily create holes in the flooring of your home, especially if it’s made of wood. Once they have access to your basement or crawl space, they’ll be able to travel throughout your home, where they can gain access to food and water sources.
The bottom line
Rats are intelligent animals that can use artificial structures to get into your home. Rats can chew through wood, plastic, and wires. Rats can smell food from a long distance and will gnaw on just about any object to gain access to the food inside. If you see a rat inside, there is no need to panic. Just make sure you get professional help from a pest control company immediately!
