With a strong El Niño expected to bring a very wet winter to much of the North Bay, now is a good time to prepare your home and property.
When the weather turns cold and wet, rats look for warm, dry places to shelter. Your home, garage, shed or other outbuildings can become an inviting place for them to settle in. The best way to deal with rats is to keep them out in the first place!
Start by inspecting the outside of your home for potential entry points. Seal cracks, gaps and openings, paying close attention to areas where pipes and wires enter the building, as well as around garage doors. Check that vent screens are secure and in good condition. Rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter, so even small gaps are worth sealing. Rats are skilled climbers, so trim tree branches and vines away from your roof and check roof vents and eaves.
Don’t forget to remove food and water sources, too! Store pet and human food in sealed containers. Clean up crumbs and spills, empty garbage regularly, and make sure compost bins are tightly closed. Pick up fallen fruit and spilled bird seed to reduce food sources. Fix leaks and eliminate standing water around your property whenever possi...