What rodent can chew through concrete?

Author: Woodrow Metz  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Understanding rats and how they behave can help you better understand these pests and help ensure that you keep them from invading your space. Rats chew through things, including concrete, to maintain their teeth.

What animal can chew through cement?

The Types of Pests That Chew Through Concrete Slabs

Rats, moles and raccoons are the most significant threats to your concrete spaces. For example, rats have powerful jaws and mouths and can chew through tough surfaces like wood and concrete, while moles are mighty enough diggers to burrow tunnels through them.

Can rodents get through cement?

That said, you might be curious to know, "Can mice chew through concrete?" The answer is yes, but only if the concrete is not cured properly.

What is the hardest thing a rat can chew through?

Rats can easily chew through softer materials like cardboard and plastic. They can even chew through harder things like wood and PVC pipes. But rats cannot chew through steel. They can't chew through anything stronger than iron.

How to fill rodent holes under concrete?

Option 1. Dig the hole out a bit bigger and begin packing rock into the void with a 2x4. 1/2 -3/4 rock will work well. This will fill the void and prevent rodents from digging it out again in that spot intermittently it probably wouldn't hurt to throw some decon or something underneath there.

Rats Chew Through Concrete to Invade Home Extension!

What is the best fill under a concrete slab?

Choosing the right material for your sub-base is crucial in the overall performance of your concrete base. The most commonly used materials for a sub-base include gravel, crushed stone, and sand. Gravel: It's a popular choice due to its excellent drainage properties and ability to distribute the load evenly.

How do you get rid of underground rodent?

Force Underground Rodents Out

Homeowners have had luck with both flooding and fumigation methods with all three pests. Pouring water into burrows and causing flooding to their feeding and traveling tunnels will drive them to the surface. These animals will then fearfully dash elsewhere in search of safety.

How long can rats chew through a concrete slab?

Solid Concrete – Rats cannot chew solid concrete. Many homes have a solid concrete foundation, so as long as there aren't any large cracks in the concrete, these pests won't be able to get through.

What do rats hate most?

Here is a list of what rats hate the most.
  • Ammonia. Ammonia has a potent odor and will deter rats from your area. ...
  • Mothballs. Mothballs are a common repellant used for household pests like rats and mice. ...
  • Domesticated Pets. ...
  • Peppermint. ...
  • Lack of Nutrition and Comfort.

What materials can rats not chew through?

Four Things Rats Cannot Chew Through

Any materials with greater strength than their incisors are too difficult for them to chew on or through. Examples of hard materials include: Steel, like sinks, ovens, refrigerators, steel beams, steel wiring in ductwork, and fencing. Iron to reinforce concrete and other structures.

What animal burrows under cement?

KEY TAKEAWAYS. Moles, voles, ground squirrels, gophers, and skunks burrow under concrete structures.

Can rodents eat through concrete?

Summary. Rats can indeed gnaw through concrete due to the strength of their jaws and razor sharp teeth. The damage they cause to concrete can vary greatly depending on moisture, temperature, the size of both the concrete slab and the rat itself.

Will mice chew through aluminum foil?

The texture and sound of crinkling aluminum foil can be unpleasant for them. If you're asking “will mice chew through aluminum foil?” then the answer is that, while mice could chew through it, this can be harmful to them, thus deterring them from chewing further.

What is the difference between a rat hole and a squirrel hole?

Rats and squirrels also differ in how they get into homes. Squirrels need a hole four inches in diameter, while a rat can enter homes through a hole that's just 0.5 inches in diameter.

Can squirrels chew through concrete?

A squirrel's teeth are extremely strong, so materials such as plastic, aluminum, and copper are no match for them. They may also attempt to chew on concrete or glass but can do little damage to these harder materials.

What can burrow through cement?

We most often see these burrowing animals under settling concrete slabs:
  • Chipmunks.
  • Mice.
  • Moles.
  • Opossums.
  • Woodchucks.
  • Ants*

What smell kills rats instantly?

The smell of ammonia is very pungent that it instantly kills rats. 4. Black pepper can also produce a very sharp smell which is harmful to mice and rats. This is a basic condiment because it spices up the food.

What is a rats worst enemy?

Outdoors, rats face a variety of predators. In these environments, large birds of prey — including hawks, falcons and owls — feed regularly on rodents. Owls are particularly formidable predators, as their nocturnal behavior ensures that they are most active when rats go out in search of food.

Does Irish Spring soap keep mice away?

Irish Spring soap is not likely to keep mice away from your house– and the strong fragrances could even be attractive to them. Rats & mice might initially be deterred by the overwhelming odor, but after a while they'll get used to it, and may even take a nibble to test it as food.

What is the best rat repellent?

These are the top natural rat repellants.
  • Essential Oils. Some of the best oils to repel rats include peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, and lavender. ...
  • Garlic and Onion. Unlike most humans, rats detest the smell of onions and garlic. ...
  • 5. Rat-Repelling Plants. ...
  • Predator Urine.

What animals can chew through concrete?

In some cases, burrowing animals are to blame—and they can wreak havoc on your concrete in a number of ways. Rats, mice, moles, voles, gophers, and several other types of ground-burrowing rodents are natural diggers, constantly seeking out shelter and sources of food.

What happens if rats stop chewing?

Rats must continuously chew through a variety of different materials in order to wear their teeth down. Otherwise, their teeth would grow too long, making it impossible for them to eat or close their mouths, which would ultimately kill them.

What happens if I block a rat hole?

During the day, when rats are usually hidden inside, you can block the hole entrance. If there are occupants during the night, they will dig their way out past the obstruction. Come in the morning, and you will find out for sure if something is living there.

What can you put under your house to get rid of rats?

Most Common Rat Entry Points

Steel wool inside the caulk can fill in the smaller gaps. Installing metal flashing around the perimeter of your foundation can also deter rats, as they cannot chew through it.

Can you flood out a rat hole?

Flushing out rat holes with water can be an effective and relatively humane method for driving rats from their burrows. To employ this technique, take your garden hose and thoroughly flood the burrows with water.

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