How Rats Get Into Watford Properties (And How to Stop Them)
Rats are clever and resourceful pests. Once they find a way into your home or business, they can cause serious damage and pose health risks. At Watford Pest Exterminators, we often hear the question: “How are rats getting into my property?”. Here’s how rats gain access to Watford homes and businesses — and how to stop them.
Common Entry Points for Rats
- Drains and sewers: Rats are excellent swimmers and often travel through drainage systems into kitchens and bathrooms.
- Gaps in brickwork: Even small cracks or holes in walls can be exploited by rats.
- Roof spaces: Rats climb trees, walls, and guttering to enter lofts through broken tiles or fascia boards.
- Basements and cellars: Poorly sealed basements provide easy entry points.
- Vents and pipes: Rats squeeze through gaps around pipes and air vents.
- Doors and garages: Gaps under doors and unsealed garage entrances are another favourite entry route.
How to Stop Rats Entering Your Property
- Seal entry points: Fill cracks and gaps in walls, brickwork, and around pipes.
- Check drains: Install rat blockers or one-way valves in drainage systems.
- Repair roofs: Fix broken tiles, fascia boards, and holes in loft spaces.
- Secure doors: Fit bristle strips or seals to gaps under external doors.
- Protect vents: Cover vents with strong metal mesh.
- Remove food sources: Keep bins sealed and food stored securely.
Why Professional Help Is Best
Even with good prevention, rats can still find a way inside. Our rat extermination service in Watford (from £260) provides not just removal, but also professional proofing advice to ensure they don’t return.
FAQs – How Rats Get Into Properties
Q1: Can rats really swim through drains?
Yes, rats are excellent swimmers and often enter homes through sewers and toilets.
Q2: How small a hole can a rat fit through?
Rats can squeeze through gaps as small as 15mm.
Q3: Do rats climb walls?
Yes, they are strong climbers and can reach lofts and roof spaces easily.
Q4: Are garages a common entry point?
Yes, unsealed garage doors are a frequent entry route for rats.
Q5: Should I block holes myself?
Only after rats have been removed, or they may become trapped and cause more damage.
Q6: Do professional exterminators provide proofing?
Yes, we provide advice and can arrange proofing solutions to block access points.
Q7: How do I know where rats are entering?
Our inspections identify all entry points so the problem can be stopped at the source.