Where do rats live outside?

• Under wood piles or lumber that is not being used often.
  
  
• Under bushes, vines and in tall grasses that are not trimmed or cut back.
  
  
• Under rocks in the garden.
  
  
• In appliances, furniture or other large objects that have been put outside and are no longer being used.
  
  
• In and around trash and garbage that has been left on the ground.
  
  
• In holes under buildings.

Where do rats live inside the home?

• In the insulation of walls or ceilings.
  
  
• Inside the crawl spaces.
  
  
• Behind or under cupboards, counters, bathtubs and shower stalls.
  
  
• Near hot water heaters and furnaces.
  
  
• In basements, attics and wherever things are stored in boxes, paper or cloth.

What do rats eat when they get inside the home?

• Foods, fats, oils that have been spilled and left on counters, floors, appliances and tables.
  
  
• Grains, like cereal, oats, rice and vegetables like potatoes and carrots that are in cardboard boxes and plastic bags.
  
  
• Pet food in boxes or bags.
  
  
• Any garbage that is not in a can with a tight lid.

Keep rats away from your home

• Plant bushes so they will stay at least 3 feet from your house.
  
  
• Keep yards and alleys clean.
  
  
• Pick up fruit and vegetables in your yard.
  
  
• In basements keep any food in closed containers that rats can't chew through.
  
  
• Inspect the outside of your home for any small (half-inch or larger) openings. Use caulk or sealant foam to prevent rodent entry. In particular, be sure to seal any gaps or openings found around air conditioning units, heat pumps walls, roofing, garage doors, utility vaults, pool or spa heaters and pump houses, or utility sheds.