Quck answer
Rat holes can be a nuisance and can also pose health risks. Here are some steps to plug rat holes effectively:
1. Identify the rat holes: Look for small, burrowed openings in walls, floors, or near food sources.
2. Clean the area: Remove any debris, food, or nesting materials near the rat holes to discourage their return.
3. Choose suitable materials: Use steel wool, wire mesh, or cement to fill the holes. These materials are sturdy and difficult for rats to chew through.
4. Fill the holes: Stuff the chosen material tightly into the holes, ensuring a snug fit. Use a putty knife or similar tool to press the material firmly.
5. Monitor and repeat if necessary: Keep an eye on the holes, and if any reopen, repeat the process to ensure effective sealing.
Taking these steps will help prevent rats from entering your home through their holes and minimize the risk of infestation.
Discovering rats in your house is unwelcome and can lead to unsanitary conditions and the spread of diseases. Despite their large size, rats can enter your home through small openings as they search for food and shelter.
If you have a rat problem and don’t know where to start, the best solution is to seal the openings that serve as entry points into your home.
Seal the Openings
Rats and mice enter your home through various holes and gaps in different areas of your house. When you find a hole that rats or mice can fit through, it is important to seal it with a material that they cannot penetrate.
Utilize Steel Wool
Steel wool is an excellent material for sealing small holes both inside and outside your house because it is strong and rodents dislike chewing it. Steel wool is flexible, non-toxic, and safe to use in homes with children and pets. Use medium-grade steel wool, which is durable and has a good balance of flexibility and firmness. (Lower-grade steel wool is too soft, while higher-grade wool may be difficult to fit into small holes due to its lack of pliability.)
Completely block the hole by stuffing it with as much steel wool as possible and applying caulk to keep the plug securely in place. As an alternative to steel wool, you can use copper mesh, such as the Stuf-fit brand, or screen wire, which can be balled up and inserted into the hole as a temporary plug for both indoor and outdoor use.
Patch the Holes
Another option is to mix fast-drying patching plaster or anchoring material, such as Fixall, with a bundle of copper mesh or steel wool to strengthen it. Then, push it into the hole and smooth over the exterior. For indoor use, a Presto Patch can be used to seal the mesh and cover the hole. Another solution is Strong Patch, a drywall repair patch specifically designed for indoor use. This kit includes a sheet metal patch and compound to cover and seal holes. After application, sand it and paint or wallpaper over the area for a seamless finish.
Use Sealants and Foam Sprays
An excellent choice for holes up to an inch in diameter is an insulating foam sealant like Pest Block. For larger holes, you can reinforce them by using wire mesh screen and Pest Block together. When applying Pest Block, avoid completely filling the hole, as the foam will expand approximately 150 percent as it dries. This can be used for both indoor and outdoor holes. Wear gloves and goggles for safe application.
There may be spaces around electrical cables, conduits, cable lines, telephone lines, dryer exhausts, or gas, water, or steam pipes that can be filled with caulk or expanding foam. Ensure that the filler or sealant is heat resistant if the pipe or duct becomes hot, to ensure proper functionality and avoid fire hazards. In some cases, you may need water-resistant caulk or sealer. Check the label to determine if it is suitable for interior or exterior use, and remember to wear gloves and goggles when applying.
Where to Search for Rat Entry Points in and Around Your Residence
Identifying the exact location of rat holes can be challenging. Below are several areas where these pests commonly infiltrate homes.
Basement or Crawl Space
Start your search for rat holes in the basement or crawl space. Inspect floor drains and dryer vents in the basement and laundry room, as well as pipes near bathroom sinks, the washing machine, and those connected to air conditioners, water heaters, and furnaces.
The Attic
Roof rats possess exceptional climbing skills and can easily access the roof and subsequently the attic via tree branches. Check along the attic walls and any nearby crawl spaces. Examine the insulation for nests, burrows, or signs of rodent damage. Look for openings in soffit vents or covers, as well as any vents within the attic. Rodents may be entering through holes in the gables, gable intersections, or vents.
The Garage
Rats often find their way into garages through open doors or small openings at the bottom. Ensure that the garage is properly sealed and patch any rat holes you discover. Strengthen the garage door by installing reinforced rodent seals on the bottom and sides.
The Foundation
Thoroughly inspect the foundation of your house for holes or gaps. Rats are skilled diggers and can create openings in the soil near your home. Pay close attention to gaps around gas lines, electrical lines, cable connections, and plumbing pipes, as these can serve as entry points for rats to crawl through.
The Kitchen
Rats are drawn to the kitchen due to the availability of food and water. Check behind the refrigerator and stove, as these are ideal hiding spots that are difficult for humans to access. Also, inspect the areas behind, underneath, and inside kitchen cabinets, as well as around the pipes under the kitchen sink. Rat holes may also be present in closets or pantries, so be sure to examine the corners of the floor.
Openings or Gaps in Windows, Doors, and Fireplaces
Rats and mice can enter your home through openings or gaps near windows and doors. Additionally, carefully inspect the fireplace and chimney. Look out for rodent droppings, which may indicate the entry points they are using.
