If you’ve had a rat infestation on your hands, you’re probably wondering how they got into your loft in the first place – And, most importantly, you can prevent it from happening again.
When it comes Getting rid of rats in your homeThe most crucial step is to find out what is attracting them. From there, you can work on the most appropriate solution, whether that means removing the food source or blocking the entry point.
Below, two pest control experts outline when rats are most active and the most common ways they can find their way into the rest of your home.
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How do rats get into the loft?
If your roof or loft has a structural flaw, this is your sign Repair themBecause they can serve as an easy entry point for rodents like rats.
Daniel Steward, Managing Director Shield Pest ControlRats are said to be “agile climbers” and can enter your loft by climbing drainpipes, brickwork, cables or nearby trees and then entering through small gaps or defects in the roof line.
Some of the most common entry points include:
- Roof tiles
- Damaged soffits
- Damaged fascia board
- Broken holes
- Holes around pipework
- Holes around utility cables
“I have seen rats using the external walls of the property to climb onto the roof before finding an access route. Even a hole as small as 2cm can allow rats to enter the property,” adds Tony King. Pied Piper.
Rat-proof your home with these shopping picks
Stainless steel wool rodent blocker
Ideal for blocking holes and cracks, this steel wool acts as a rodent barrier and is pesticide free.
Rodent proofing stainless steel metal
These stainless steel sheets can be cut to size and will keep rats out of your loft.
This plug-in device emits a low-level frequency that repels rodents but is inaudible to humans.
Tony King is the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service that has been in business for over 25 years.
With 24 years of experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has developed a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
Do rats leave the loft during the day?
While rats are nocturnal (meaning they are most active at night), Daniel Steward says they may come out during the day if food sources are scarce, infestations are high and competition is high, or if they find the property messy.
the same RatIf rats live in your loft you may hear scratching, scratching, and scratching noises in the evenings and overnight, as this is when they are most active and the house is quiet.
Tony King adds, “Unless infestation levels have reached epidemic proportions or there is a shortage of food and/or water, I am generally unable to actively observe rats during daylight hours.”
“During the day, most rats hide in a relatively insulated part of the loft until they become active again in the evening, when the house is quiet. At this time, they look for food and water to survive.”
Can rats enter the house from the loft?
Yes, confirms Tony King, mice can “easily transition” from your loft to another part of your home, but this will depend on what routes are available to them.
“Rats typically use existing wall cavities, cracks or gaps around pipework and voids created behind ceilings to transfer from one floor to another,” he explains. “If rats have an established presence in the loft and there are no barriers preventing them from doing so, it is possible for rats to establish themselves on multiple floors within the home.”
In fact, Tony says it’s common for homeowners to first see mice in their kitchens or bathrooms, although these pests are more likely to be in the loft first.
The thought of rats nesting in your loft isn’t a pretty picture, but by blocking common entryways and keeping an eye on the integrity of your roof, it’s certainly possible to keep them out.
If you’re looking for more expert advice on this topic, our guides How to stop pests in insulation And How to get rid of squirrels in your attic Good place to continue.
