As winter approaches, an often forgotten threat creeps into homes across the UK—rats. These pests are looking for warmth and food and are finding their way into homes through sewers and drains. Unfortunately this seasonal surge in rat activity can cause big problems but with a proactive approach you can stop rats before they become a household issue.
Why Rats Use Sewers and Drains in Winter
Rats are very adaptable, they are known for finding opportunities in the smallest of spaces. As the temperature drops rats seek out warmer places to live and sewers are one of them. They offer shelter and a food supply. Rats use sewer systems as highways, they travel beneath streets and homes. The warmth, combined with waste and food debris that gets flushed down the drains makes sewers the perfect nesting ground for rats in winter.
When these pests find weaknesses in your home’s drainage system or cracks in the foundations they use these entry points to get into your property. As winter progresses rat activity increases and without taking precautions your home could become their winter hideout.
Common Entry Points for Rats
Rats can squeeze through gaps as small as a 20p coin so it’s essential to check your home for entry points. Here are some of the most common ways rats get into homes:
Cracked or broken sewer pipes.
Gaps around drainage systems.
Faulty or missing drain covers.
Unsealed openings in walls or foundations.
Once inside rats will nest in basements, attics or any area that provides safety and warmth. They are notorious for being hard to spot until the damage is already done so it’s essential to block their access early.
The Risks of Rats in the Home
Having rats in your home poses health and safety risks. They can carry diseases such as Leptospirosis and Hantavirus which can be transmitted through their urine, droppings and saliva. In addition to health risks rats can cause structural damage by chewing through insulation, wires and even wooden beams. Their constant gnawing is a fire risk and their nesting behaviour can cause water damage or blocked ventilation.
Rats are not just an inconvenience they are a serious health and safety risk. That’s why The Pest Company is here to help you protect your home from the dangers of a rat infestation.
Preventative Measures: How to Stop Rats Entering From Sewers
The best way to stop rats from entering your home is to take preventative measures before winter fully sets in. Here’s what you can do:
Inspect and Repair: Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps or damage to drainage systems. Fix broken pipes and seal gaps where rats can get in.
Rat-Proof Drain Covers: Add covers designed to block rats to stop them climbing up from the sewers.
Keep Your Property Clean: Remove potential food sources like rubbish or bird feed that might attract rats to your home in the first place.
Professional Inspection: Book a professional inspection to identify and address any hidden vulnerabilities in your drainage and sewer systems.
The Pest Company offers full pest control services including installation of preventative measures and thorough inspections to keep your home rat free this winter. Our team are trained to spot rat entry points that others might miss so you can have peace of mind as the winter months approach.
What to Do If Rats Have Already Got In
If you think rats have already got into your home here’s what you can do:
Look for Signs: Rat droppings, gnaw marks and scratching noises in walls or attics are common signs of an infestation.
Block Entry Points: Even if you’ve found evidence of rats it’s essential to seal off any entry points to stop more getting in.
Remove Food Sources: Store food securely and clean up any crumbs or spills that might attract more rats.
But dealing with a rat infestation is a complex job. DIY traps or poisons often fail as rats are intelligent and learn to avoid them. That’s where The Pest Company can help. Our pest control services not only remove existing infestations but also prevent future ones by securing entry points and using safe and effective extermination methods.
Conclusion
Winter is the time to protect your home from rats seeking shelter in sewers and drains. By knowing how they get in and taking preventative measures to stop them you can avoid the hassle and health risks of a rat infestation. Don’t wait until it’s too late contact The Pest Company today for a professional inspection and rat control services to keep your home rat free this winter.
