Understanding Rat Behaviours and Habits

Why are storage units attractive to rats?

Understanding why storage units attract rats is key to preventing infestation. Naturally, rats are attracted to places that provide shelter and resources. Areas that offer protection from predators and easy access to food, like unsecured bins, will attract these pesky pests. Storage units often meet these criteria because they are usually dark, quiet, and filled with items that can provide both shelter and food. This makes them an ideal nesting place for rodents. However, once inside, rats can quickly become a nuisance as they gnaw through items, leaving a trail of damage and filth behind.

Understanding Rat behaviours

Knowing rat behavior and their habits is an essential step to prevent them from entering storage areas. Rats are nocturnal creatures, so you're most likely to hear their activity at night. They're exceptional climbers, swimmers, and gnawers; this is how they're able to breach most areas. When it comes to food, rats are omnivorous, meaning they can eat almost anything, but they primarily prefer grains, meat, and fish. They also have a gnawing habit, which is primarily how they make entrances into most establishments.

Signs of rat infestation

Before you can take action, you need to confirm if your storage unit has a rat infestation. Common signs that point towards an infestation include the presence of rat droppings, gnaw marks on stored items, tracks, and rat nests made from shredded materials. Additionally, you may notice a strong urine smell, hear scratching noises, particularly at night, and find rat food stashes in your storage unit. If you spot any of these signs, it's time to take action and prevent further damage.

Immediate Actions to Rat-Proof Your Storage Unit

Maintaining cleanliness

Maintaining cleanliness can help keep rats out, as these creatures are more attracted to dirty environments. Make sure to regularly clean your storage unit, getting rid of unnecessary clutter. Also, avoid storing food items that can attract rats. If you need to store any food item, make sure they're in airtight containers. This makes your storage unit less appealing to rats, reducing the chances of an infestation.

Seal any entry points

Rats can enter through small spaces due to their flexible bodies. This is why it is imperative to seal any gaps, cracks, or holes in your storage unit. Use materials like steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk to seal potential entry points. Regularly inspect windows, doors, vents, and roofs for any signs of damage and repair them immediately.

Using traps and repellents

Traps and rodent repellents can be effective in keeping rats at bay. There are a variety of options available, such as snap traps, live traps, and glue traps. For significant infestations, you might consider poison baits, but they should be used with care due to their potential harm to humans and pets. Repellents, on the other hand, are safer and work by creating an unpleasant environment for the rats.

Enlisting Professional Help

Why hire pest control professionals?

While the steps above can help keep rats out of your storage unit, it can be challenging to entirely get rid of an infestation on your own. This is when professional pest control services come in handy. Professional exterminators possess the knowledge and tools necessary to remove an infestation effectively. They can also ascertain the severity of the situation and provide personalized solutions accordingly.

Choosing the right pest control service

When choosing a pest control service, consider factors like the company's reputation, license, customer reviews, and service guarantee. Make sure they specialize in rodent control and provide proof of successful work. You may also want to find out if they offer follow-up services to keep your storage unit rat-free in the long term.

The cost of professional pest control

The cost of hiring professional pest control can vary depending on various factors such as the severity of the infestation, the size of your storage unit, and the location. Generally, prices can range anywhere from $100 to $500. It may seem expensive, but it's a worthwhile investment as it can save you from the damage and stress caused by a rat infestation.