Can Rats Chew Through Concrete?

If you’ve just finished constructing a concrete structure or work has concluded on any kind of concrete project, you’ll likely want to make sure that the work is protected and stands the test of time.

While some wear and tear is to be expected, there are several maintenance techniques that are commonly used to keep concrete protected. While you are likely familiar with the various cleaning, sealing and winter maintenance tasks that you need to carry out, you may be surprised to learn that you should keep a watchful eye out for rats, too.

Everyone knows that rats are pests that can cause damage and spread disease, but your concrete should be strong enough to withstand a rodent, right?

Well, in this article the team here at Concrete Supply UK will answer the question ‘can a rat chew through concrete?, helping you understand the damage rats can cause and the actions you may need to take.

Read on to find out more…

Can Rats Chew Through Concrete?

Yes, rats can chew through concrete. While it might seem surprising, the razor-sharp teeth that rats possess can cause serious damage to concrete structures and applications, as well as electrical wires, pipes and other durable materials. 

Rats are renowned for their gnawing ability and every concrete structure you build should be kept protected from these rodents. As well as their sharp teeth, they also have extremely powerful jaws that, in some cases, allow them to dispel chunks of concrete at a time. 

The level of damage a rat can cause will depend on a variety of factors including:

• The rat’s size: The bigger the rat the more damage it can cause and larger rats are likely to cause more damage than smaller ones. This is because they have stronger jaws and a more powerful bite which allows them to put more force into what they are chewing and cause more damage.

• The rat’s age: Younger rats are still developing in several ways, including their teeth. Younger rats have much softer teeth compared to fully adult ones, so less damage is likely to occur if it is an infant rodent doing the chewing. In contrast, fully grown rats will be completely developed and have extremely strong chompers. 

• The rat’s health: The health of a rat will differ depending on how much food it is getting and where it lives. More unhealthy rats will depend to have weaker teeth which will make it harder for them to chew through concrete. Sometimes, rats will also have teeth that do not align properly and this makes it harder for them to chew. 

• The concrete’s thickness: Concrete is a strong material that is often favoured for its durability, and the thicker it is the stronger it is. Thicker mixes are much harder to break and will offer more resistance if a rat is attempting to chew through it. They will struggle to create openings or penetrate the concrete at all if it is very thick. 

• The concrete’s condition: Concrete tends to get stronger as it ages but if it was of a low quality to begin with then it is an easier target for rats. These creatures will always look for easy access points and any existing gaps or weaknesses will be targeted. So, make sure the concrete you choose is always of high quality, suitable for the job at hand and has cured correctly. 

While it might seem strange for a rat to chew concrete, they’ll usually do so if they are searching for food, trying to escape a predator or need shelter.

How To Stop Rats From Damaging Concrete 

Prevention is always better than cure, so rat-proofing a concrete application before a problem has arisen is always advisable. 

There are several ways you can reduce the risk of your concrete being damaged by rats.

This includes:

Remove All Food Sources

Food is one of the main reasons that a rat will try and enter a concrete structure. They have a great sense of smell that can detect food even through walls so it’s a good idea to eliminate any food sources that may tempt them. Make sure food is properly stalled, all crumbs or spills are cleaned up and bin bags are tightly sealed and properly disposed of. 

Seal All Entry Points 

Rats are sneaky little things and can squeeze through even the tightest of gaps. Take a careful look around your property to check for possible entry points and seal up all gaps, cracks or openings that they may be able to use. 

Install Physical Barriers

You can also create physical barriers to stop rats from accessing areas that are vulnerable or weak. For example, metal mesh, screens or wired mesh can be placed in front of vents or other entry points to stop rats from getting at your concrete. 

Use Rat-resistant Materials  

You may be able to combine your concrete mix with rat-resistant materials, like metal, which make it harder to chew. Many concrete mixes can incorporate reinforcements that will both enhance durability and make it more difficult for rats to damage. 

Use Deterrents 

The use of odour or taste-repellent substances may stop rats from chewing your concrete. Consult with pest control experts over what is most suitable and apply these substances to areas of concern. Then, when a rat approaches, they may be put off and will look elsewhere. 

Maintain A Clean Environment 

Rats will be attracted to dirty or unkempt areas, so making sure the area close to your concrete is clean and uncluttered is a good way to stop them visiting your property. 

If you already have a rat problem or infestation, you may need to contact your local pest control team.

No matter what type of concrete you need, Concrete Supply UK is here to help. We regularly supply leading mixes to customers across the UK, tailoring products to your exact needs. So, if you need a stronger, more reinforced mix to keep out rats or simply want something straightforward to move your next project forward, contact our expert team today.