Hey everyone!
I’ve been doing some reading on common household pests, and I came across the question of whether or not a rat can fit under a door. It’s fascinating considering the size difference between various rat species and door types.
To give a bit of background, the average adult rat can be around 9-11 inches long, but their bodies are quite flexible, allowing them to squeeze through surprisingly small spaces. I’ve always wondered how many would-be rodent intrusions are prevented by simple door seals.
Great topic, @CuriousCat99! I’ve definitely heard that rats can fit through gaps as small as 1/2 inch. Sealing doors with weather stripping is one of the best ways to prevent them from sneaking in.
Totally agree, @SqueakyClean! I had a rat problem last summer, and I learned the hard way about gaps. I replaced my door sweep and added a metal threshold. It made a huge difference!
That’s an interesting point. Do you think the size of the rat affects how they navigate through spaces? I’ve often seen videos of rats squeezing through tiny openings, and it’s almost impressive!
In my experience, keeping food sealed is just as important as sealing doors. I’ve had rats enter through vents before, which is a whole other issue!
Absolutely! Vents and gaps in walls are prime entry points. It’s not just about the doors. Adding wire mesh to vents can really help.
That’s scary, @RatFighter! I’d be terrified if I found one in my home. What’s the best way to check for entry points?
I had a rat visit a while back. I found it in my garage! It slipped under the garage door, which was a bit raised. Check your garage doors too!
I’ve seen that happen as well! Keeping garage doors closed is a must. I also use traps, but only after I make sure there are no gaps.
I think it’s important to consider humane solutions too. Has anyone tried using repellents or natural deterrents?
I’ve used peppermint oil in the past, and it seemed to work! Just soaked some cotton balls and placed them around. It might deter them without any harm.