What do rats chew?

Rats chew constantly. Their front teeth are always growing, and as a result, they must chew in order to keep them trimmed. Their material of preference is wood (like trees), but they will happily chew through drywall, concrete, rafters, insulation, water pipes, paper, vinyl siding, plastic, and electrical wires. All these scenarios spell bad news for homeowners. Holes in your drywall are costly to repair and look unsightly. Chewing up the wood in your home such as trim, siding, or rafters not only looks bad, it can cause structural damage. Power outages, electrical shorts, and even fires caused by chewed wires can be costly to homeowners and dangerous. Rats have also been known to chew Through PVC pipes causing water and septic problems. Boxes of paper and your keepsakes stored in closets and attics are a favorite of rats. Not only is it easy to chew, it is usable nesting materials.



The only way to prevent this from happening is to get rid your rat problem. If you think you have rats infesting your home, chewing it up is the least of your problems. You are also in danger of other infestations like lice and fleas, disease carried by Rats, and the smell caused by their waste. Add to these insults the destruction of your home, the destruction of the things you hold dear like keepsakes in your attic, and the constant squeaking scratching and fighting noises.

Getting rid of Rats is rarely easy, so it is suggested you call a professional. Preventative measures are always preferable to an infestation. Make scheduled examinations of the exterior of your home. Look for Rat sightings or indication of activity, such as, chew marks, greasy black streaks, or feces. Check any isolated spaces especially if you are hearing noises from there. Immediately seal any holes larger that ½ inch inside or out that could allow access to rats. Staying alert to infestations is a full time job.

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