Why Do Rats Chew Things?

Have you ever wondered why rats chew on everything? Whether it’s your furniture, electrical wires, or even pipes, rats seem to gnaw on anything they find. It can be frustrating and dangerous, especially when you don’t know why it’s happening.

At Rodent Solutions, we’re here to help you understand this common rodent behavior and how to stop it. We offer expert pest control services in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Sarasota, and surrounding areas.

Why Do Rats Chew Everything?

Their Teeth Never Stop Growing

One of the main reasons mice and rats chew on things is because their incisors never stop growing. Unlike humans, who have a fixed set of teeth, rats’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. If they didn’t gnaw on stuff, their teeth would get too long, making it hard for them to eat and survive. Chewing helps keep their teeth at a healthy length.

Survival Instinct

Rats are survivalists. They chew to get what they need, whether it’s food, water, or shelter. If a rat smells food inside your walls or cabinets, it’ll gnaw its way through to get to it. Their sharp teeth can tear through wood, plastic, and even softer metals, which is why they can cause so much damage in homes and businesses.

Nesting and Exploring

Rats chew to make their nests more comfortable. They use shredded materials like paper, insulation, or even pieces of wood to build their nests. Chewing also helps them explore their environment as they try to create new pathways to move around.

What Do Rats Like to Chew On Things?

Rats will chew on almost anything, but some materials are more common targets.

Electrical Wires

Rats chewing on electrical wires is one of the most dangerous things they do. It can lead to electrical shorts and even fires. If you notice flickering lights or hear scratching sounds near your walls, it could be rats chewing on your wiring.

Pipes and Insulation

Rats can chew through pipes, which can cause water leaks and plumbing issues. They also chew on insulation, reducing the effectiveness of your home’s heating and cooling systems.

Wood and Furniture

Rats love gnawing on wood because it’s easy for them to bite through. This can lead to damage to your furniture, baseboards, and even the structural elements of your home or business.

Why Is Rat Chewing Dangerous?

Fire Hazards

As mentioned, chewing on electrical wiring can lead to sparks and, in worst cases, house fires. This is one of the most serious risks of having rats in your home or business.

Structural Damage

Rats can weaken the structure of your home by chewing on wood, insulation, and other building materials. Over time, this damage can cost you a lot to repair and dangerous to your property.

Health Risks

Rats can spread diseases through their droppings, urine, and saliva. As they chew through different materials, they leave behind bacteria and viruses that can be harmful to your family or employees.

How to Stop Rats from Chewing

If you’re dealing with rats and mice chewing things in your home or business, here are some tips to stop them:

Rodent Proofing

Rats get into your home or business through small cracks and holes. Sealing these entry points is one of the best ways to keep them out. Rodent Solutions can help with professional rodent exclusion services to block off any potential access points.

Set Traps or Bait Stations

Setting traps or bait stations in areas where you’ve noticed chewing is another effective way to stop rats. At Rodent Solutions, we offer safe and effective trapping solutions to remove rodents from your property.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Regular inspections can catch signs of rat activity early, preventing major damage. We recommend scheduling inspections with our team to stay ahead of any potential rodent problems.

How Rodent Solutions Can Help

At Rodent Solutions, we specialize in keeping homes and businesses in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Sarasota, and surrounding areas safe from rats and other pests. We offer:

• Rodent exclusion services to seal up entry points and prevent rats from getting inside.
• Trapping and removal services to quickly get rid of rats.
• Ongoing prevention plans to keep your property rodent-free.

We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with rats chewing on things in your home or business. That’s why we offer customized solutions to protect your property and give you peace of mind.

Contact Rodent Solutions Today

If you’ve noticed a rat problem in your home or business, don’t wait until the damage gets worse. Contact Rodent Solutions today for a free inspection. We proudly serve Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Sarasota, and surrounding areas with top-quality rodent control services. Let us help you keep your property safe from pests!