How do rats get into a house? - briefly
Rats exploit openings larger than about a quarter‑inch, including gaps around pipes, vents, doors, foundation cracks, and damaged screens. They also climb utility lines or use eaves and roof voids to reach the interior.
How do rats get into a house? - in detail
Rats infiltrate residential structures by exploiting any opening larger than a quarter‑inch. Their bodies are flexible; a 7‑inch long rodent can squeeze through gaps as small as ½ inch. Entry points fall into several categories.
- Foundations and crawl spaces – Cracks in concrete, gaps around utility penetrations, and deteriorated sill plates provide direct access from soil to interior voids.
- Exterior walls – Unsealed vents, damaged siding, and gaps around window frames allow rodents to move upward from the ground level.
- Roof and attic – Missing shingles, damaged flashing, and unprotected vent pipes create pathways from the eaves to the attic space.
- Doors and windows – Gaps beneath doors, warped thresholds, and broken screens serve as low‑level entry routes.
- Plumbing and sewer lines – Open pipe ends, cracked sewer traps, and improperly capped waste lines connect the sewer system to interior rooms.
- Electrical and cable conduits – Unsealed holes where wires pass through walls or foundations act as miniature tunnels.
- Ventilation and exhaust systems – Unfiltered dryer vents, bathroom fans, and HVAC ducts without proper mesh screens admit rodents from the exterior.
Rats locate these openings by following scent trails, listening for vibrations, and testing for resistance with their whiskers. Once an entry is identified, they gnaw to enlarge it, using constantly growing incisors that never cease to sharpen. Moisture, food sources, and shelter increase the likelihood that a discovered gap will be exploited repeatedly, leading to a permanent infestation. Regular inspection, sealing of all gaps, and maintenance of exterior fixtures are essential to prevent such intrusions.