How To Stop Rats From Digging Under Foundation

If you’ve noticed holes around the foundation of your home, chances are they belong to rats. Here is how to stop rats from digging under foundation.  Rats under the foundation are not only a nuisance, but they can also pose a risk to the structure of your foundation.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent rats from digging under your foundation and causing further damage. In this article, we will explore effective methods to keep rats away and protect your home.

 

Signs of Rat Infestation

Learn the telltale indications of a rat infestation before we go into preventative methods. You can take immediate action and stop additional harm from happening if you can recognize these indications early on.

1. Burrows: Rats build their nests in subterranean burrows. One primary entrance and several minor exits are common features of these burrows. Try to find smooth openings that are 2 to 4 inches in diameter and earth that has just been dug.
2. Grease Marks: Rats will often run in the same routes, marking walls and grass with their greasy tracks. These markings can show where rats have been and where they like to hang out.
3. Fecal Droppings: Rat poop is usually shiny black and shaped like a capsule with pointy ends. This poop may be found on their runways or in places where they have been eating.
4. Strong Odor: Rats have trouble controlling their bladders and often pee in their paths. In serious infestations, this can make the smell musty and strong.

Now that you know what to look out for, let’s talk about some good ways to keep rats from digging under your house.

 

How To Stop Rats From Digging Under Foundation

1. Fill Existing Holes

Filling in any holes around your home’s foundation is the first thing you should do to keep rats away. Fill in the holes with dirt and press it down hard to make a barrier. There will be less room for rats to dig their way in.

 

Read also: How To Get Rid Of Rats Naturally in 16 Ways

 

2. Put Up a Barrier

There are a number of things on the market that can keep rats away from your foundation. Wild animals stay away from these things because they often have smells that are unpleasant or annoying.

Look into them and pick the one that works best for you. But be careful if you have pets because these deterrents can also hurt animals that aren’t mean.

 

3. Trim Vegetation

Rats like places with lots of plants because it gives them cover and makes it easy to get tood. Cut back bushes and shrubs that grow over the area where your base meets the ground to keep them from coming up to your house. It will be less appealing for rats to come into your home after this.

 

4. Re-secure the Area

Once the animals have been moved out of the area, you should strengthen the foundation to stop them from digging again.

You might want to protect the weak spots by putting down cement, patio blocks, or ditch screening. This will not only keep rats from digging, but it will also help keep your foundation safe.

 

5. Fill In loose Holes and cracks

Rats can get through small gaps, so it’s important to seal up any holes or cracks in your garage or home. Rats can’t chew through steel wool or hardware wire, so use them.

Pay extra attention to the areas around water or gas tanks, cable lines, phone lines, dryer vents, and electrical conduits.

 

Read also: Eedr River: A Geographical and Historical Exploration

 

6. Remove Food Sources

Rats like to live in places where food is easy to get to. Take away their access to food sources to keep them from coming to your place.

Make sure that the lids on the trash and compost bins are tight, and clean up any food or crumbs that fall out right away. Also, keep pet food and feed for big animals in containers that can’t be opened easily.

 

7. Fix Any Leaks

It’s important to fix any leaks in your home because rats like places where there is water. Look for lines and faucets that are leaking and fix them right away. This will not only keep rats away, but it will also keep water from damaging your property.

 

8. Maintain Your Garden

Rats will be less likely to come to your home if you keep your garden in good shape. High grass and overgrown plants can be hiding places for mice, so keep them mowed and kept at a low level. Also, make sure you pick your fruits and veggies often so rats don’t start eating them.

 

9. Consult a Professional

For help with a serious rat problem or if you’re not sure how to stop rats from digging under your base, you should talk to a professional pest control service. They know what to do and have the right tools to look at the situation and come up with custom ways to keep your home safe.

 

Read also: 7 Ways to Building a Secure Foundation in Dog Training

 

Conclusion

Taking proactive steps and doing regular repairs are both needed to keep rats from digging under your foundation. If you follow the advice in this article, you can protect the structure of your home and greatly lower the chance of having rats in it. Remember to be alert and take quick action on any signs of rat behavior to stop more damage.