How to Prevent Rats in Prefabricated Houses

Preventing rats in prefabricated houses requires comprehensive measures in terms of food control, blocking entry points, environmental cleaning, and other details, as follows:

I. Food Control Food is a key factor attracting rats and requires strict management. All dry goods (such as rice, flour, beans, and nuts) must be sealed in glass or metal jars with silicone sealing rings, avoiding the use of plastic bags. Snacks should be consumed on the day they are opened, and any leftovers should be immediately placed in the refrigerator or sealed保鲜盒 (airtight containers). Kitchen waste should be cleared daily, and trash cans with foot pedal lids should be used. Before disposing of garbage, the bags should be tightly tied to prevent leakage of soup. The stove and dining table should be wiped clean after use to avoid food residue. Pet food and bird food should be stored separately, and when feeding, only pour out the required amount, immediately returning any leftovers to the sealed jar to avoid leaving pet food bowls exposed for long periods.

II. Blocking Entry Points Rats can enter indoors through pipes and gaps, so comprehensive blocking is necessary.

1. Walls and Pipes: Check the connections between pipes (such as water pipes and gas pipes) and walls in balconies, kitchens, and bathrooms. Fill them with steel wool and then apply waterproof sealant. Repair cracks and holes in walls with cement mortar, paying special attention to the baseboards and window frames of old houses.
2. Drains and Floor Drains: Install stainless steel rat-proof filters (with a pore size of ≤1cm) in kitchen sinks and bathroom drains. The floor drain cover on the balcony should be tightly closed to prevent rats from swimming upstream.
3. Doors, Windows, and External Passages: Install anti-theft and rat-proof nets (with a mesh density of ≥10 meshes per square inch) on windows and balconies. Ensure that doors and windows are closed tightly before leaving, especially for residents on lower floors. Fill the gaps between the air conditioner outdoor unit and the wall with insulation cotton and then apply sealant.
4. Other Holes: Seal air conditioner pipes, vertically connected pipes or channels, and indoor holes with cement.

III. Environmental Cleaning Rats prefer hidden and damp environments, so regular cleaning is necessary. Clutter under sofas, beds, and on top of wardrobes (such as cardboard boxes, old clothes, and empty shoe boxes) should be promptly organized or discarded. Items in storage rooms should be placed at least 10cm above the ground to avoid direct stacking. Keep the environment dry and promptly repair leaking water pipes and faucets.

IV. Other Aspects

1. The gap under the kitchen door in the household should be controlled within 15px (preferably not allowing the middle finger to pass through). If the gap is too large, iron sheets or wooden strips should be installed. Windows should be tightly closed, and doors and windows should be closed at all times.
2. Residents on the ground floor should check whether the covers of courtyard wells and open ditch drainage outlets are intact. If there are damages, contact the property management company for replacement in a timely manner. Check the surrounding green spaces for rat holes and contact a professional rat extermination company for treatment if found.
3. Household waste should be bagged and cleared daily to avoid staying overnight at home.