SevenThingsTo Avoid at Christmas if You Don’t Want Rats in Your Home

The holiday season is about joy, family, and festive cheer, but it’s also prime time for rats looking for shelter, food, and warmth.

While you’re decorating your house, Christmas can be a bountiful time for these these sneaky pests as they hunt down Christmas waste—and your home might be the perfect spot for them to land.

So don’t let rats crash your Christmas!

Here’s a list of Seven things you should absolutely avoid doing to keep these uninvited guests out.

1. Leaving Food Scraps Out Overnight

Christmas is a time for indulgence—turkey dinners, sweet treats, and mountains of leftovers.

While we all love festive feasting, rats love it even more!!

These pests can smell food from far away and will enter your home if they sense an structural vulnerability and an easy meal.

What to Do:

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Avoid leaving food scraps on counters or in open bins overnight.
• Take out the garbage regularly, especially after large meals.

Rats are scavengers. If food is accessible and they they think your house is easy to get into, they’ll keep coming back.

2. Forgetting to Clean Up Crumbs and Spills

Between baking cakes, preparing dinner, and snacking on chocolates, your kitchen could be a minefield of crumbs and spills. Although small to us these tiny morsels represent a tasty treat for rats.

What to Do Instead:

• Sweep the kitchen floor daily.
• Wipe down surfaces after cooking or eating.
• Vacuum around the dining table or sofa where crumbs tend to collect.

Rats don’t need much to survive—a few crumbs here and there and they’ll keep on going.

3. Leaving Pet Food Out

You might think you’re being kind by leaving out food for your pets, but rats see this as an open buffet. Once they find your pet’s food bowl, they won’t hesitate to eat their fill.

What to Do Instead:

• Feed your pets at scheduled times and remove uneaten food.
• Store pet food in sealed containers.
• Clean up any spilled kibble immediately.

Don’t let your pet’s dinner become a rat’s holiday treat.

4. Not Sealing Gaps or Cracks Around the House

Rats can squeeze through incredibly small gaps—as little as a half-inch. With colder weather outside, they’re looking for warm, cozy spots indoors.

Below you’ll see a job  we did for a customer.

BEFORE – EXPOSED PIPE

AFTER – CEMENT BLOCKING HOLE

The rats entered in through the gaps around the pipe so we sealed this up with cement

So the thing to do:

• Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and vents.
• Use steel wool or caulk to seal any cracks.
• Check your attic, garage, and basement for entry points.

By blocking access, you’re sending a clear message: NO RATS ALLOWED!.

5. Storing Firewood Indoors or Too Close to the House

Firewood is essential for a cozy Christmas fireplace, but it’s also a popular hiding spot for rats. If wood is stacked near your home, rats can easily move indoors.

What to Do Instead:

• Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house.
• Keep it elevated off the ground.
• Inspect wood carefully before bringing it inside.

A festive fire is wonderful, but a rat hitching a ride on firewood is not.

6. Leaving Holiday Decorations in Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are like luxury condos for rats. They provide shelter, warmth, and even nesting material. When you bring out decorations stored in cardboard, you might unknowingly invite pests into your home.

What to Do Instead:

• Use plastic bins with tight-fitting lids to store decorations.
• Check storage areas (like attics or basements) for rat droppings or damage.
• Avoid leaving boxes on the ground.

Plastic bins are rat-proof and will keep your holiday gear safe.

7. Letting Rubbish Pile Up Outdoors

Overflowing bins are a Christmas miracle for rats. They can smell food waste from miles away and will happily dig through rubbish for leftovers.

What to Do Instead:

• Use rubbish bins with tight lids.
• Take out the trash regularly, especially after holiday meals.
• Keep bins far from your home, if possible.

Secure rubbish means fewer opportunities for rats to feast on Christmas leftovers.

Bonus Tip: Pay Attention to Signs of Rats

Even if you follow these tips, it’s crucial to watch for early signs of rats in your home:

• Droppings in cabinets, under sinks, or in corners.
• Gnaw marks on food packaging, wires, or furniture.
• Scratching sounds in walls or ceilings at night.
• Nests made of shredded paper, insulation, or fabric.

If you notice any of these signs, take action quickly to prevent a full-blown infestation.

Keep the Festive Cheer Rat-Free

Christmas should be filled with joy, laughter, and warmth—not pests.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll make your home less appealing to rats and keep the festive spirit alive.

Rats are sneaky, but with a little effort and vigilance, you can ensure they’re not on your guest list this Christmas.

Don’t give rats a reason to celebrate. Keep your Christmas clean, secure, and rodent-free!

For more information about House and Home Pest Control contact us on our website by clicking here or call James on tel:830102411