How do I keep rats out of my home? Our best advice following Winter rat swarm warning

AS temperatures start to drop experts are predicting there could be a massive swarm of 120 million rats invading UK homes this winter.

Here are some tips on how to keep them out of your home as they search for a warm nest.

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Paul Bates, boss of Cleankill Environmental Services, said there were several steps to take to try and stop the rodents sneaking into your home.

His steps are as follows:

STEP 1 – Check brickwork to ensure air bricks – which allow ventilation – are intact as larger Victorian ones have gaps large enough for rodents to sneak through

STEP 2 – Remove kick plates from the bottom of kitchen units and clear out any food debris and check for rat droppings

STEP 3 – Clear out stair cupboards and check pipework for holes where rodents can sneak in and make a winter nest

STEP 4 – Check your loft or attic for signs of ‘invasion’

STEP 5 – Remove garden rubbish and debris which attracts rats and keep a tidy garden

STEP 6 – Don’t feed birds by scattering food in your garden as this attracts rats, use specialist bird feeders

STEP 7 – Put brush strips on your doors to stop rats getting in

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Other tips for rat-proofing your home include:

• Keep foods in sealed containers
• Make sure outdoor bins have secured lids
• Cut back bushes, trees, overhanging branches and grass to limit nesting and shelter possibilities for mice
• Clear up pet food and bird feed when not in use
• Fill holes in exterior walls, roofing cavities and eaves

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