What Attracts Rodents to Homes

Rodents will look for shelter, especially when it gets cold outside. They will check where they can hide, feed and survive during the harsh weather. Any place that is warm, accessible, and comfortable will be their next target.

One factor that will attract rodents to stay is a messy home where there is litter, waste, and poor sanitation.

Here is the list of things to check on what attracts rodents to homes.

COMFORTABLE SHELTER

Rats will be comfortable in a warm place where they can live safely tucked away from the harsh weather. They are warm-blooded animals, and it will be their instinct to look for a place to call “home”.

Your property is accessible to them, notably if there are entry points such as small holes, cracks, and crevices. A Gap in ceilings, windows, plumbing lines, or sewer lines.

POOR SANITATION

Rats can invade your home, but poor sanitation will make them want to stay for good. Once these rodents have access to food and water, it will encourage them further to stay.

When your home is unhygienic, and you have a dirty house, it will satisfy these rodents to scavenge and gnaw on whatever is available inside. They can also raise their young, and you will have an infestation problem in no time.

FOOD AVAILABILITY

Rodents will live with just a pile of garbage, and they can feed on birdseed, pet food, veggies, meat, a pile of leaves, even decaying fruits.

When you store your foods in an unsecured container, there is a possibility that rodents will get to it since they can chew on these containers.

Pay attention to your food supplies and keep them well stored. Cleaning your home, especially the kitchen, is a must, and do not leave any food crumbs behind.

Rodents can sniff them out and will get attracted to whatever food is available.

SOURCE OF HYDRATION

Just like any other animals, rats need water to live, and will be attracted to an indoor source as well. If you have a leaky pipe, a birdbath, pet water bowls, water under the sink, they will stay around longer just because it is convenient and water is free.

DEBRIS AND OTHER NESTING SITES

Even if it is just outside your home, it will entice rodents to stay on your property. If there are piles of lumber, or firewood, old furniture, automobile parts, these items can act as their nesting place and can surely shelter a lot of rodents.

Keep these piles away from your property and declutter as often as you can.

​Learn more here

Learn about the Norway Rat here