Rat Rats are determined and capable climbers and diggers, and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps thanks to their flexible bodies. For homeowners across Ely, from period properties near the city centre to newer builds on its outskirts, understanding where rats typically get in is the first step towards keeping them out.
Common entry points around the home
- Air bricks and vents that are damaged, missing covers or have gaps around the edges
- Gaps around pipework, particularly where waste or water pipes pass through external walls
- Damaged or missing pointing in brickwork, especially on older Ely properties
- Ill-fitting doors, particularly garage, shed and outbuilding doors with gaps underneath
- Gaps around roofline, soffits and fascias, which rats can reach by climbing drainpipes or trees close to the house
Drains are another common route, as rats are strong swimmers and can travel through sewer pipes, entering a property through a damaged or poorly sealed drain connection. Given Ely's low-lying, riverside setting, properties near ditches, drains and waterways can be particularly exposed to this kind of entry.
Outdoor areas worth checking too
As well as the main building, sheds, garages and outbuildings around an Ely property deserve the same attention, since a gap under a shed door or a damaged panel can let rats establish a base close to the house before they ever attempt to get inside. Bin storage areas and compost bins are also worth reviewing, as easy access to food nearby can encourage rats to linger and explore further for a way in.
Why proofing matters as much as treatment
Removing an existing rat problem is only part of the solution. If the entry points that let rats in are not identified and closed off, there is a strong chance new rats will find their way in again. This is why rat-proofing advice and entry-point identification form an important part of an effective, long-term approach to rat control.
A combined approach works best
Rat proofing is most effective when it is carried out alongside, or shortly after, any necessary treatment. Sealing entry points before a nest has been dealt with can occasionally trap rats inside a property rather than keeping them out, which is why professional advice takes both the treatment and the proofing into account together, rather than treating them as two separate, unrelated jobs.
Getting your Ely property assessed
If you would like your property checked for potential entry points, whether as part of dealing with an existing problem or as a preventative measure, Green Pest Control can carry out an inspection and provide practical rat-proofing advice for homes and businesses across Ely. A free, no-obligation quotation is available. Call 01502 630 122 to arrange a visit.
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