Prevent nuisance rats

Signs of rats

How do you know if there are rats in your garden? Pay particular attention to these signs:

• Gnawing damage to, for example, wood or cables.
• Excrement, small dark pellets.
• Walk tracks, such as paths in the grass or along walls.
• Burrows in the ground.

Tips to reduce nuisance from rats

1. Store trash in bins that close securely.
   Household trash is a food source for rats. They also use it to build nests. Therefore, store trash in containers that seal tightly until you put it out on the street. Also, make sure your trash cans can be closed securely.
2. Keep everything in and around your home clean and tidy.
   This will prevent rats from finding food or building nests. This also applies to the shed, the yard, and places where you store trash. Also, keep an eye on fruit under fruit trees in your yard.
3. Seal cracks and holes. Openings in cavity walls or exterior walls should not be larger than half a centimeter. You can seal larger holes with so-called “bee mouths.” These are available at home improvement stores. Larger holes that are no longer in use—for example, those for a clothes dryer—can be bricked up. Rats can easily get inside your home through holes like these.
4. Beware of feeding ducks, rats eat along.
5. Store pet food in sealed containers.
6. Repair a broken downspout.
   Is your downspout broken? A standard downspout has a diameter of 80 millimeters. A rat can easily squeeze through it because it can grip the walls. The larger the diameter of the downspout, the less likely it is that a rat can squeeze through. Tip: Place a metal leaf guard on the downspout to prevent rats from entering it.
7. Do not flush food scraps or oil down the drain.
   Do not flush food, cooking oil, or frying fat down the toilet. Rats feed on food in the sewer system.
8. Do not put pet food outside at night and give just enough so that no leftovers are left over.

Are you still bothered by rats despite the tips?

Then make a report via 0492-378500 or gemeente@gemert-bakel.nl. We'll send a pest controller to help you.