By addressing these factors, you can reduce the chances of attracting rats to your home

1. Favorite Foods
Contrary to popular belief, rats are not that interested in cheese. However, they love peanut butter, chocolate, bacon, and even hazelnut spread, according to Insider magazine. Suburban Pest also cites berries, pet food, nuts, meat, and grains as common rat favorites.

These foods are even more likely to attract rats if you leave them unsecured in your pantry. To prevent a rat infestation, make sure all foods—including pet food—are stored properly in airtight containers. Additionally, a sprinkle of peppermint oil can help keep rats away without contaminating your food.

2. Warmth
Suburban Pest warns homeowners that rats are particularly good at detecting warmth. When temperatures drop, they move toward any openings in walls that let off heat. Common warm nesting spots for rats include hot water heaters and even ovens. Check these locations frequently for pests and set up a bait station if necessary.

3. Excess Debris
Rats love to burrow and build nests. They require materials such as those found in attics, garages, or trash rooms. Rats especially enjoy burrowing in old newspapers, cotton, wood, feathers, and boxes. To keep rats at bay, declutter your house and take out the trash regularly.

4. Nooks and Crannies
Michelle Niedermeier from the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program tells Popular Science, "If you can stick a regular old pencil in a hole, a rat can get through." This is because the rat’s skull is about the size of a pencil, so if their head can fit, the rest of their body can too.

Be aware of any holes in your house's exterior that are wider than a pencil. Seal them immediately, paying close attention to areas around entryways, pipes, and electrical wiring.

5. Tall Weeds
While most common rats don’t eat tall grasses, they use them for shelter. Piles of leaves and other yard debris can obscure the rodents, making them harder to detect. To limit shelter, be sure to clear your yard of debris, especially during autumn when leaves pile up around the exterior of your home.

6. Undisturbed Cars
Rats can search for food, water, and shelter inside your car, whether it's parked in the driveway or in a garage. Cars with lots of trash, like food wrappers, are even more appealing. To deter these unwanted visitors, clean your car’s interior regularly. Using your car often and performing routine rat checks is also helpful.