Rubbish bins full of food are an attractive prospect for rats. While many people are conscious about this when it comes to indoor bins, most of us tend to forget about it once we’ve put the rubbish out.
It’s important to safeguard outside bins as well because if rats get into them, it can cause a number of problems including:
• Scaring off potential customers if you’re running a business
• They can cause structural damage to your property
• They attract other pests
• They carry diseases
• It won’t be long before they make their way inside
Below we share some top tips to help keep rats away from your bins.
Keep rubbish in a secure bin
Don’t store your rubbish in plastic bags. It’s incredibly easy for rats to chew through them and if they have easy access to food, it will be very difficult to get rid of any pest.
Keep rubbish in a secure bin with a sturdy lid and replace any broken bins as soon as possible. Rats can squeeze through very small gaps so even a small crack or hole could be all they need to make their way in.
Don’t throw food directly into bins
If food scraps aren’t bagged up, it’s much easier for rats to smell them. Loose food will also stick to the inside of your bin which again, makes it much easier for rats to detect.
Clean bins regularly
Bins can become very smelly very quickly, especially if something leaks or food scraps stick to them. One of the best ways to prevent your bin attracting rats is to clean them regularly and thoroughly with disinfectant. This will also help to kill any pathogens left behind by rodents if you do have an infestation.
Think about where you’re keeping your bins
If you can, keep your bins out of direct sunlight. This will help to reduce smells and the rate of decomposition which is what attracts pests.
It’s also a good idea to keep bins as far away from your property as possible. The closer they are to windows and doors, the more likely rats are to eventually make their way inside.
Control infestations as soon as possible
As soon as you suspect you have an infestation, it’s important to call a pest controller. Rodent populations can escalate very quickly, causing significant damage to properties and company reputations.
Signs that you may have a rat outbreak include:
• Small droppings
• Holes in packaging and other materials
• Nests
• Tracks and markings
• Smells
• You physically see a rat
Call a local pest controller
Whether you already have an infestation or you want to know how to avoid one, a local pest controller can provide you with valuable advice. Unfortunately, getting rid of an outbreak is rarely as straightforward as putting down some bait so we highly recommend seeking professional help.
Please get in touch with Prokill for more information or to book in for a free, no obligation audit.
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