Be Aware of Hantavirus: Here's How to Prevent Rats from Entering Your Home

Kompas.com - The presence of rats in a home is not just a cause of physical damage to buildings and furniture, but also threatens the health of all family members.

These rodents are intermediaries for various dangerous diseases, one of which is hantavirus. Hantavirus infection can be transmitted to humans when they inadvertently inhale air particles contaminated with rat urine, droppings, or saliva that nests in the corners of the house.

Given the high health risks, maintaining cleanliness and security within the home is an absolute preventive measure that must be carried out consistently.

Quoting Martha Stewart, Sunday (17/5/2026), here are various ways to prevent rats from entering the house.

These rodents will immediately sniff out crumbs on the floor, leftover pet food in the yard, and food on tables that are not tightly covered.

In addition, store food supplies in airtight containers and schedule regular kitchen cleaning.

“The only way to truly protect your home from rats is by closing all cracks and holes,” he said.

Rats have very strong teeth that can chew through rubber, foam, plastic, or thin wood. Always use metal material to block them, then apply silicone adhesive to seal any remaining air gaps.

“Only galvanized steel mesh, aluminum plates, metal plates, and concrete patches truly work against large rats,” Carpenter said.

Silicone adhesive only works to fill small gaps that cannot be closed with metal, galvanizing, aluminum, or concrete. Holes or cracks that have been treated with silicone adhesive must still be covered with one of these materials.

A messy area is very much liked by rats because it provides a safe space to hide, sleep, and reproduce. Regularly dispose of piles of paper or used cardboard that are no longer needed.

“If you eliminate the places where they can build habitats and hiding places, they will leave your home,” said Baldwin.