Rats in Container Houses

If rats enter container houses, the following methods can be used to solve the problem:

Identifying Signs of Rat Infestation

• Trace-related signs: Fine black-brown feces (about the size of rice grains) are found on the ground or in cabinet corners; wood shavings or tooth marks are seen on walls or furniture bottoms, as rats need to gnaw to wear down their constantly growing incisors.
• Sound-related signs: At night, you may hear rustling or crawling sounds in the ceiling or wall cracks, or the sound of objects gently colliding. Rats are nocturnal and often move through pipes and suspended ceilings.
• Odor-related signs: An unexplained fishy or foul smell appears in the kitchen or storage room, which could be from rat excrement or hidden dead rats. Pay special attention to damp corners.

Taking Rat Prevention Measures

• Eliminating food sources:
  • All dry goods (rice, flour, beans, nuts) must be sealed in glass or metal jars with silicone sealing rings. Avoid using plastic bags (rats can easily bite through them). Snacks should be finished on the day they are opened. If not, put them in the refrigerator or airtight storage containers immediately.
  • Kitchen waste should be cleared daily. Use trash cans with foot pedal lids. Before taking out the trash, tie the bag tightly to prevent juice leakage that attracts rats. Wipe the stove and dining table clean after each use to leave no food residue.
  • Pet food and birdseed should be stored separately. Pour out only the required amount when feeding and put the rest back in the sealed container immediately. Avoid leaving pet food bowls outdoors for long periods.
• Blocking entry points:
  • Check the joints between walls and pipes (water pipes, gas pipes) and fill them with steel wool + waterproof sealant. Repair wall cracks and holes with cement mortar, especially around the baseboards and window frames of old houses.
  • Install rat-proof filters (made of stainless steel with a pore size ≤ 1cm) in kitchen sinks and bathroom drains. Keep the floor drain covers on the balcony tightly closed.
  • Install anti-theft and rat-proof nets on windows and balconies (with a mesh density ≥ 10 mesh). Make sure doors and windows are closed tightly before going out. Seal the gaps between the air conditioner outdoor unit and the wall with insulation cotton + sealant.
• Cleaning the environment:
  • Regularly clean clutter from hidden corners such as under sofas, beds, and the tops of wardrobes. Store items in the storage room at least 10cm above the ground.
  • Repair leaking water pipes and faucets to keep the environment dry. Wipe the floors of the bathroom and kitchen dry after each use to avoid water accumulation.