What Rats Eat

 Tuesday, August 9th 2022, 4:00 AM

Knowing What Rats Eat To Limit Food Available For Them

San Jose, United States - August 9, 2022 /Habitat Pest Control/

The 2019 AHS (American Housing Survey) stated that of 124 million occupied housing units in the US, 14.8 million reported seeing rodents in the past 12 months. The CDC cautions that rodents can cause diseases directly or indirectly. They can cause diseases in humans through feces, urine, or saliva. They can also indirectly infect humans through ticks, mites, or fleas that feed on infected rodents. 

Rodents are unwelcome intruders bringing disease and damage. Keeping them away from the property is the best long-term solution. If there has been an opportunity for them to gain entry, a pest control company will help to get rid of them. Affected property owners can contact Habitat Pest Control for rodent control in the Bay Area, California. This company focuses on getting rid of pests while protecting the environment through integrated pest management. In this article, Habitat Pest Control shares information on what rats eat. It will help homeowners to ensure these food sources are inaccessible to rodents so that they are not attracted to the premises.

Outdoor Food That Attracts Rats

Homes that have a backyard have a lot of things that attract rodents. Rats are scavengers that eat a lot of things. Birdseed, fallen fruit, garden vegetables, and improperly cleaned outdoor grills are all enjoyable to rats. Compost and garbage are also easily accessible food sources for rats. Steps to secure compost heaps and garbage cans can be taken. Food with a strong smell like cheese, eggs, and fish must be disposed of in locations that are secure against rodents.

A trash can may be placed in an area where people and pets move around frequently. This is a deterrent, as rats are by nature sneaky animals. Bins must not be kept near walls or in corners that provide spaces to hide. Keeping food bowls for pets outdoors is a magnet for rats. Leaky faucets and containers that accumulate rainwater act as water sources that attract rats. When there is pleasant weather, homeowners can try to move around the home exteriors regularly. This acts as a deterrent to rodents.

Food That Attracts Rats Indoors

Once rats are spotted outside the home, they usually get indoors without much delay. Spaces like attics, basements, and crawl spaces are havens for rodents. They can settle and breed in these areas if undisturbed. Once they are indoors, rats may need a professional pest control company to eliminate them from home. But the homeowners can try their best to prevent rats from entering the home. 

Rats eat anything they find indoors; cereals, pulses, nuts, garbage, sweets, almost anything is edible for rats. Since they are agile climbers and scavengers rats can access food stored almost anywhere in a home. Dry goods like cereal, chips, and grains stored in bags that can be nibbled through are not spared once rats gain entry indoors. Any food left uneaten outside or fruits and nuts kept open are easy targets. Any pet food left out overnight or in bags is devoured by rodents. If garbage is left unattended and open, it is also a food source. 

Homeowners must store food in containers that can be closed and cannot be nibbled through. Leaky pipes and other water sources must be shut off. Garbage must be disposed of daily and any waste receptacles must be secured and closed to restrict rats. Common rodent access points like holes near cabinets, windows, appliance pipes, closets, or sinks must be blocked. Safe and effective rodent control measures can be taken by a pest control company. A pest control company may also be able to help rat-proof homes. 

      

Pest control is important to prevent diseases, protect the structural integrity of homes, and for cleanliness. Habitat Pest Control is a company that helps protect homes from pests in a manner that does not harm the environment. The company integrates the use of non-chemical and natural pest control solutions that are better for the environment and the health of clients using their services. For rodent control or other needs related to pest control in the Bay Area of California, Habitat Pest Control can be approached. Their phone number is 001 (408) 922-9898.