The shipping containers are made up of heavy metals. They are gigantic structures that are not only strong but also secure. Shipping containers are sealed tightly but can rats get into shipping containers?
No, the rats will not be able to get into shipping containers. It is implausible that they will be able to enter through all the metal layers. However, when it comes to rats, they are masters at finding a hole or two for creeping inside.
A rat will likely enter a shipping container through other openings like vents. If the wooden flooring has been used, the chances are that rats live beneath them and have breeding grounds.
Rat Proof Containers
It must be made sure that they are made of strong metals. Metals have smooth surfaces and offer a lot of resistance to stress. Hence, a rat will not be able to chew or climb its way into a shipping container.
A shipping container is made up of corten steel, more commonly known as weathering steel. There is no way any pest can make its way into a container without breakage.
Can Rats Be Shipped?
Yes, rats can enter shipping containers and be shipped overseas. To prevent this, rat-resistant containers are built. Moreover, proper checks and balances are maintained to see the signs of a rat and its colonies.
To ensure that no gain entry into the shipping containers, the following steps can be carried out:
- Iron shavings can be put in the corners.
- Rat repellents can be placed inside vents.
- Peppermint oils can also be sprayed in the openings.
- One can even have flashing lights at night while loading and unloading packages are being done. This drives the rats away.
What Material Can Rats Not Chew Through?
If a rat can chew through a material, it means that it will eventually create an opening that will allow it to enter the space inside. That is why the inside of the shipping containers are double gaskets.
This means that they form very tight and compact layers that keep all sorts of rats and insects away. There are some materials through which a rat cannot chew. This includes:
- Glass
- Door sweeps
- Thick plastic
- Window screens
Why Do Ships Have So Many Rats?
Although the shipping containers are rat-proof, the main issue is during loading and unloading cargo. That is the prime time when the rats come scurrying inside, and the doors of the shipping containers are open.
They then find their nesting sites and breed there as the ship is on the go for weeks and months.
Moreover, the rats find poorly enough packaged supplies in these containers from which they gain the means to sustain themselves.
What Is Not Allowed In A Shipping Container?
The presence of rodents and pests is strongly discouraged as they spread disease in the cargo. Moreover, they will make sure to contaminate and consume all your food supplies.
It is dangerous to have rats inside shipping containers. That is why every measure must be taken to keep the rats out of bounds.
Otherwise, it will result in a loss for you and the quality of your shipment.
Can Rats Chew Through Metal?
Though a rat cannot chew through most metals, it can chew and make its way through some artificial metals. This includes an aluminum metal sheet.
A rat can easily chew it, scrape it away with its claws and eventually tear it apart. That is why, if thin aluminum sheet linings are present, it is at the advantage of rats.
How Thick Is The Steel On Shipping Containers?
In small shipping containers, the walls are made up of usually 14 gauge corrugated sheet steel panels. These panels are robust. The thickness of each is 0-075 inches.
The panels are welded and joined to the rest of the structure. With time, it can become loose or may even develop cracks in it. These small openings can act as gateways for the rats to enter the shipment containers.
Are Rats A Problem On Ships?
The seaports often complain about rats and their prevalence. Usually, the rats are attracted to all the shipment containers due to ample food supplies and some other additional food resources.
Moreover, the containers provide the ideal darkness and temperature for a rat to survive and breed to make more of its own.
Undetected, such conditions are desirable for the rats if they get on the shipment containers.
Wrapping It Up
Generally, enough care is taken so as to not allow the rats to enter the premises of a shipping container. For this purpose, rat trappers, as well as repellents, are used.
However, rats are very small creatures that will still make their way into the containers by hurrying into the containers while stock is being loaded and unloaded. Also, if there is wooden flooring, it gives an added advantage to the rats for hiding.
Maximum protection against rats can be ensured if proper checks and balances are maintained. Moreover, it would be easier to check the containers thoroughly for the presence of rats.
