If you’ve heard any noises in your walls, you aren’t crazy – some animals 
can make their way inside them and build a nest. Even though it might seem like nothing could get inside them, walls are a favorite nesting spot for rats. But how in the world do they get in? Sometimes they can slip in cracks, but they can also create their own entry points as well. You’d be surprised by the strength of their jaws and teeth.
The Astonishing Jaws of Rats
As rodents, rats have teeth which are constantly growing. In fact, rat teeth grow about 1.4 mm per day. This means that they must constantly gnaw on materials to grind their teeth down, to prevent them from growing into their skulls. This makes almost any hard material in your house fair game as a rat-chewing object.
Not only are rats incessant gnawers and biters, they are extremely powerful for their small size. Though exact figures are hard to pin down, rats have an incredibly high bite pressure considering their size. Most people measure that rat bites exert more force per square inch than alligators and sharks. Because of this, rats can chew through almost anything: wood, drywall, brick, concrete, aluminum, sheetrock, and more. When motivated, a rat can almost certainly make its way into your home using its powerful jaws.
How to Avoid Infestations
The best way to keep rats out is by making sure that you eliminate any food sources around your home. Rats won’t fixate on your house just because they want to come in; most of the time rats move into a home it’s because they have found a consistent food source.
Another good way to keep rats out is by sealing any potential entry points around your house. Though rats can make a way inside if they really wanted to, they will generally take the path of least resistance such as holes or cracks in the exterior of your home. Make sure windows, doors, soffits, eaves, vents, and pipes are properly sealed, and you will have a better chance of avoiding a rat problem.
If a rat or two does make it in, it isn’t the end of the world. There are ways you can get these disgusting and problematic pests out. The best thing you can do when you first notice signs of rats in your home is to call Critter Control® of Miami, the leading animal control experts in the industry. Every rat infestation is different, but our years of experience has taught us how to pinpoint the problem and solve it efficiently and safely. Call us today for a free inspection at 305-258-3587.