Rat Yes, gaps around pipes are one of the most common ways rats find their way into homes, and it is an entry point that is very easy for homeowners to overlook because it is often out of sight, low down on an outside wall or hidden behind a kitchen unit.
Why pipe gaps are such a common weak point
A rat can squeeze through a gap not much wider than its skull, and pipework entering a house for water, waste, gas or cabling is rarely sealed with a rat in mind. Builders typically leave a small gap for the pipe to move slightly, and over time that gap can widen through weathering, settlement or damage.
Where to check around a Woodbridge property
It is worth having a look around the outside of the house at the points where pipework passes through the wall.
- Waste pipes from kitchens and bathrooms
- Water supply pipes entering the property
- Gas pipe entry points
- Cable and telecoms ducting
- Boiler flue surrounds
- Any pipework passing under decking or patios
How to tell if rats are using a gap
Signs to look for include gnaw marks around the edge of the gap, a smear of dirt or grease where fur has repeatedly brushed against the wall, and droppings on the ground directly below. Inside the house, activity is often first noticed under kitchen sinks or in cupboards where pipework runs, since this is usually the nearest indoor space to the entry point.
How these gaps are properly closed
Sealing pipe gaps needs a material rats cannot gnaw through, applied correctly around the full circumference of the pipe. A quick fix with expanding foam alone is not usually enough, since rats can chew through it. As part of a rat control visit, a technician will identify these gaps specifically and either close them or advise on the right way to do so.
Green Pest Control inspects for entry points including pipe gaps as part of every rat control visit in Woodbridge. Call 01502 630 122 for a free, no-obligation quotation.
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