It’s the ultimate rat deterrent (Image: Getty)
Summer is in full swing and with the UK being hit with heatwave after heatwave, it means one thing and one thing only — it’s peak activity time for rats.These uninvited guests become increasingly active in the summer, particularly in Britain, where these pests are offered the ideal climate conditions and shelters to breed, and an abundance of easily available food in trash cans and communal waste disposal sites to feast on.
A common misconception when it comes to rats is that they need a big hole or gap to enter households through. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Rats only need a gap of around 20mm, roughly the size of a £1 coin, to gain access to your homes.
Rats only need a 20mm gap to enter homes through (Image: Getty)
Saif Derzi, award-winning property expert and founder of Property Buyers Today explains: “Many homeowners will be surprised that rats only need a gap of around 20mm, roughly the size of a £1 coin, to gain access to a property.
“The biggest mistake people make is assuming rats need a large opening to get inside.”
Luckily, there’s an easy and affordable solution to the problem, and it only costs 36p.
Where can rats gain access into homes?
The award-winning property expert advises checking for gaps around pipes and cables, damaged air bricks, cracks in walls and foundations, and broken drains or drainage systems.
Explaining why rats become common nuisances in the summer, Saif shares: “Hot weather often forces rats out of drains, sewers and underground burrows as they search for food and water.
“At the same time, gardens become more attractive thanks to barbecues, food waste and accessible water sources.
“People tend to associate rat problems with autumn and winter, but summer is often when populations expand, and infestations begin.
“This is reflected in online search behaviour, with UK searches for ‘how to get rid of rats in garden’ increasing by 50% over the past week alone, as more homeowners look for ways to tackle the issue.”
Rats will be deterred by the 36p common supermarket item (Image: Getty)
The 36p rat repelling hack
The first step is identifying and sealing potential entry points before rats can get inside your home, and this can be done with a basic 36p supermarket item.
Wire wool is the magic solution to your rat problems and a pack of three at Asda costs only £1.08, which comes out to 36p per piece.
Steel wool, commonly referred to as wire wool, serves as an efficient deterrent against rodents owing to its robust material composition that rats and mice are unable to gnaw through.
Its pliability enables it to fill even the smallest gaps that rodents might otherwise exploit as entry points, functioning as a physical barrier they are incapable of penetrating.
Once you have placed wire wool around your home, it is advisable to apply a sealant such as cement, caulk or expanding foam to make it as airtight as possible and permanently ward off mice and rats.
John Horsley, Technical Officer at the British Pest Control Association, says: “Wire wool is a great product when used correctly, but often requires covering with silicone, meaning it’s better for smaller holes.
“I particularly like this for proofing door frame corners or small holes in the brickwork. It can be more discreet than a metal plate, and using silicone over the top helps it stay in place, preventing it from being removed by rodents or anyone else.”
Rat activity is at its peak in the UK during summer (Image: Getty)
Property expert Saif echoes the advice: “Small gaps around pipes and cables can often be sealed using wire wool and cement or specialist expanding foam, while damaged air bricks should be fitted with metal mesh covers that maintain ventilation while preventing access.”
It’s imperative to note, though, that wire wool is highly combustible and must not be used in areas with higher temperatures.
It also needs to avoid electrical contact and should be kept far away from exposed wiring and areas with a high static charge or intense heat, as it can easily catch fire.
Professional pest control help should be sought if you are dealing with an active rat infestation, as DIY solutions often fail to tackle the root cause of the problem, and may not get rid of these pesky rodents in their entirety.