Rats can be a major nuisance, especially when they start digging under your foundation. This is annoying, but it can also be dangerous, as rats can easily chew through wires and cables. Fortunately, you can do a few things to stop rats from digging under your foundation. This blog post will discuss how to stop rats from digging under foundation.
If you have a rat problem, the first thing you need to do is rat-proof your house. Rats can easily squeeze through small openings, so make sure all of your windows and doors are properly sealed. You’ll also want to seal up any cracks or holes in your foundation. If rats can get under your foundation, they can cause a lot of damage by digging tunnels and burrowing into the soil. You can do a few things to stop rats from digging under your foundation, and we’ll discuss them in this blog post. Keep reading to learn more about how to stop rats from digging under foundation.
What Causes Rats Are Digging Under Foundation?
There are many reasons why rats dig under foundations. Some of these reasons include looking for food, water, or shelter. Additionally, rats may also be trying to create a nest or escape from predators. Understanding why rats are digging under your foundation can help you prevent them from doing so in the future.
One of the most common reasons why rats dig under foundations is to look for food. If food is available on your property, rats will be attracted to it. Another common reason why rats dig under foundations is that they are looking for water. If your property does not have a reliable water source, rats will dig under your foundation to find water.
Rats may also dig under foundations to create a nest. If rats feel that your property is safe, they may build a nest to raise their young. Finally, rats may also dig under foundations to escape from predators. If there are predators on your property, rats will dig under your foundation to escape them.
If you have rats on your property, it is important to understand why they are there. Once you know why rats are digging under your foundation, you can take steps to prevent them from doing so in the future.
15 Ways How to Stop Rats From Digging Under Foundation
1. Seal All Cracks and Holes in Your Foundation.
The first step in preventing rats from digging under your foundation is to seal all of the cracks and holes in your foundation. Rats can squeeze through very small openings, so it is important to seal up any cracks or holes that you find. You can use caulk or expanding foam to seal up cracks and holes in your foundation.
2. Keep Food Stored in Airtight Containers.
Rats are attracted to food just like any other animal, so one of the best ways to keep them out of your home is to make sure that all food is properly stored. This means keeping dry goods in airtight containers, such as Tupperware or mason jars. You should also avoid leaving any food out on counters or in open bags.
3. Dispose of Garbage Properly.
One of the main reasons rats love to dig under your foundation is that they are looking for food. If you have garbage lying around, rats will be attracted to it and start digging under your foundation to get to the food. Make sure that you dispose of your garbage properly in order to keep rats away.
4. Repair Any Leaks on Your Property.
Rats are attracted to water, so one of the best ways to keep them away from your home is to make sure there are no leaks on your property. Check all of your faucets, pipes, and appliances regularly to ensure they are not leaking. If you do find a leak, repair it immediately.
5. Remove Any Potential Nesting Sites.
Rats need a place to live, just like any other animal. If you have rats on your property, chances are some areas are more appealing to them than others. These areas may provide shelter, food, or water, and they will be attractive nesting sites for rats. Remove any potential nesting sites to discourage rats from taking up residence on your property. This may include:
- Stacks of wood, debris, or trash
- Overgrown vegetation
- Abandoned vehicles or equipment
- Rat burrows
If you remove these potential nesting sites, rats will be less likely to want to stay on your property.
6. Make Sure That Your Property Is Free of Predators.
One of the most effective ways to keep rats away from your property is to ensure no predators around. If you have a cat or dog, they can help to keep the rat population down. You can also try setting up owl boxes or installing a bat house to encourage these predators to stick around.
7. Install a Fence Around Your Property.
One of the best ways to keep rats away from your home is to install a fence around your property. This will create a barrier that rats will have to cross in order to get to your home, and it will also make it more difficult for them to dig under your foundation. You can either install a fence yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. If you choose to do it yourself, be sure to use a fence that is made of sturdy material and is at least four feet tall.
8. Trim Trees and Shrubs Away From Your Foundation.
One way rats and other rodents can get into your home is by climbing up trees and shrubs that are close to your foundation. These animals are very good climbers, so it’s important to trim any trees or shrubs that are within a few feet of your home. This will make it more difficult for rodents to access your home.
9. Keep Your Yard Clean and Free of Debris.
One of the best ways to prevent rats from taking up residence in your yard is to keep it clean and free of potential nesting materials. Regularly rake up leaves and other debris, trim back overgrown vegetation, and remove any woodpiles or other potential hiding spots. Making your yard less inviting makes it much less likely that rats will want to move in.
10. Use Rat-proof Containers to Store Food.
One of the main reasons rats come into our yards and homes is to find food. If we can eliminate their food source, we can also eliminate the rats. Be sure to store all food, including pet food, in rat-proof containers. This will help keep rats away from your home and yard.
There are a few different ways to rat-proof your food containers:
- Use airtight containers made of metal or glass.
- Store food in the fridge or freezer.
- Keep food off the ground and away from walls.
- Clean up any spills or crumbs immediately.
If you have a pet, be sure to keep their food in a rat-proof container as well. Rats will eat just about anything, so keeping their food out of reach is important.
11. Eliminate Sources of Water on Your Property.
Water is one of the main reasons why rats will come onto your property in the first place. If you have any sources of standing water, such as bird baths, kiddie pools, or even puddles that form after it rains, rats will be attracted to these areas. Make sure to empty out any sources of standing water so that rats will have no reason to come onto your property.
12. Seal Up Any Openings in Your Home.
Rats can enter your home through very small openings. Take a look around the exterior of your home and look for any cracks or holes. These can be in the foundation, around windows and doors, or in the eaves of your roof. Seal up any openings with concrete, steel wool, or heavy-duty hardware cloth. Make sure the material you use is sturdy enough that rats can’t gnaw through it.
13. Use Traps to Catch Rats.
The cheapest, easiest, and most effective way to get rid of rats is to use traps. Trapping rats can be done with either live traps or snap traps. If you have children or pets, you’ll want to use live traps so that the rats can be released far away from your home. If you don’t mind killing the rats, snap traps are more effective and easier to use. You can purchase traps at your local hardware store or online. Be sure to bait the traps with food that rats like, such as peanut butter, cheese, or bacon.
14. Hire a Professional Exterminator.
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still have a rat problem, it may be time to call in a professional exterminator. A professional will be able to assess your specific situation and come up with a customized plan to get rid of the rats. This may include setting traps, using baits, or even entirely removing the rats from your home. Whatever method is used, a professional will be able to get rid of your rat problem for good.
Conclusion
This article provides some tips on How to Stop Rats From Digging Under Foundation. Rats are a common problem for homeowners, and they can cause serious damage to your home. If you have rats, it’s important to take steps to stop them from digging under your foundation. You can do several things to keep rats away from your home and protect your foundation. Follow these tips to get rid of rats and prevent them from damaging your property.
