Why are Rats and Mice Attracted to Your Home

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If you have ever experienced rats or mice dashing on your floors, you might have wondered where they came from and what attracts these pests to your home. Inadvertently, by creating a suitable environment, your home might be inviting these unwelcome visitors without you even realizing it.
Understanding what attracts rats and mice to your house is essential to keeping them away.

Rats and mice need food

The primary reason rats and mice are attracted to your home is food. Having a diverse diet, they will eat almost anything. Rodents often find food in kitchens pantries, garbage bins and in unsealed food containers. Crumbs on the floor, and pet food are also common culprits.
To protect your home from these unwanted guests, you must be alert and deprive rats and mice of the opportunity to find readily available food.

Unsealed food containers
Your kitchen and pantry can be an easy target for rats and mice. They are particularly drawn to carbohydrates but will try to find any food. To prevent attracting these pests, tightly seal all your food containers. Pay special attention to grains, seeds, and nuts, as these are natural food sources for rodents.

Garbage bins
Garbage bins are magnets for rats and mice, especially when containing kitchen waste. Keep food scraps and other kitchen debris in closed bins to prevent these rodents from accessing them.  
To minimize this risk, regularly remove indoor garbage and keep it in closed outdoor bins as far from your house as possible.

Why are rats attracted to your home

Pet food
Pet food contains a lot of fat and protein, which are two of the key nutrients that rats and mice need to survive. In addition, pet food is often left out in the open, which makes it easy for rats and mice to get access to it.  For that reason, leave pet food out only during feeding times and avoid feeding your pets in areas where you cannot easily clean up bits and pieces left behind, as this will draw rodents closer to your home. When storing pet food, keep it in closed containers to prevent rodents from finding it.

Crumbs on the floor
Crumbs on the floor are an easy target for rats and mice, providing them with a steady sustenance supply. Even minute bits of food can attract these pests, as their keen sense of smell helps them quickly find the tiniest food particles. Cleaning regularly and proper food storage can help reduce the attraction of pests. 

Fruit trees and vegetables
Fruit trees in gardens are a significant lure. Regularly remove fallen fruit and nuts to discourage rodent activity. Garden vegetables also provide an additional food source for these pests.

Fruit trees and vegetables
Fruit trees in gardens are a significant lure. Regularly remove fallen fruit and nuts to discourage rodent activity. Garden vegetables also provide an additional food source for these pests.

Compost bins
Compost bins can be a great assortment and a steady food supply for rodents. Rats and mice are attracted to the abundant food source that decomposing organic materials provide. When fruits, vegetables, and other kitchen waste are left exposed in a compost bin, they emit enticing odours that can easily lure rodents from nearby areas looking for a meal.

Why are rats attracted to your house

Rats and mice look for water

Just like any living creature, rats and mice look for water. Limiting water availability can make your home less inviting and appealing to rodents.

Leaky pipes
Leaky pipes and taps are like a welcome mat for rats and mice. You may draw these pests into your home if you have a water leak or a dripping garden tap. Rodents are particularly drawn to water leaks under the house, as these provide a steady source of moisture and shelter.

Standing water
Having standing water around your house can also attract rats and mice. Pooling water under the floor, garden ponds, puddles, and even clogged gutters. 

Rats and mice seek shelter

Shelter and nesting opportunities are crucial when attracting rats and mice to your home. Rodents always seek safe, warm places to build their nests. 

Warm areas in your home
As temperatures drop, rats and mice seek warmth and shelter, making your home an attractive destination. Additionally, heavy rains can flood their natural habitats, driving them indoors in search of dry spaces. They’re drawn particularly to areas near appliances, heating vents, and insulation.

Dark spaces
Rats and mice are nocturnal creatures that feel most comfortable in dimly lit environments that mimic their natural habitat. They are skilled at adapting to their environment and can make nests from various materials they find.

Cluttered spaces
Clutter provides hiding places and nesting materials for rats and mice, making it an ideal environment for them to thrive. Piles of paper, boxes, and other debris can offer warmth and shelter. Reducing clutter is an effective step in deterring these pests from invading your home.

Clutter and debris
Rats and mice thrive in cluttered environments. Messy, disorganized areas provide them with numerous hiding spots and materials for building nests. You’ll often find evidence of their activity in basements, garages, under the floor, and roof space areas. These areas tend to accumulate clutter and are less frequently disturbed.

Entry Points to Your Home

Rats and mice are small, agile creatures that can squeeze through surprisingly tiny openings, so inspecting your house thoroughly is crucial.

What attracts rats and mice to your house

Gaps and openings
Rats and mice are adept at exploiting small openings in your home’s structure. They can squeeze through gaps as small as a quarter-inch wide. Inspect your home’s exterior and interior regularly for cracks, holes, or gaps to prevent their entry. Check around utility lines and pipework, as rodents often use these as highways into buildings. Other common rodent entry points usually include open windows and doors, broken vents, duct openings and under garage doors.

Need professional help?

By reducing the availability of food, water and shelter, you can significantly minimize the chances of a rat and mouse problem. However, to ensure your home is free of rodents, you can seek help from our professional rat and mouse exterminators. We are equipped with the knowledge and tools to assess the extent of infestation and implement effective control measures.

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