How to Get Rid of Rats

Spotting a rat running around can be scary and annoying. Apart from being filthy and destructive, rats carry disease. Research shows that about 50,000 people get rat bites annually.

In this guide, we tell you how to get rid of rats. Furthermore, we understand that it’s confusing to know if you have mice or rat infestation. The article describes how to distinguish between them.

What’s the Difference Between Rats and Mice?

Although both rats and mice fall into the rodent family, and they can cause significant damage to property, they are different. You’ll need to determine if you have a rat or mice infestation to implement the proper treatment plan.

When it comes to behavior, mice are bolder than rats. Mice like to explore new areas, and that may lead them to traps. However, rats are cautious and live in fear, which makes it challenging to trap them.

Also, in regards to nesting, mice are small and can fit into small cracks. They can inhabit the attic in your home, thanks to their skillful climbing nature. However, rats prefer the lower areas of a structure like a crawlspace or a basement.

In regards to appearance, rats are medium-sized and can measure 40 centimeters or more.

Rats also have a brown, black, gray, or white color. They’ll appear soiled and with grease marks.

Their blunt snout makes them conspicuous. You’ll also notice a long hairless and scaly tail on a rat.

However, mice can measure up to 20 centimeters in length. They have a gray, brown, or white color. Mice also have a triangular-shaped snout with long whiskers. You’ll notice hairy, thin, and a long tail on mice.

Tips to Getting Rid of Rats

Below are some pointers on how to kill rats

Use Traps

If you’re looking for an effective indoor control method, you’ll want to consider traps. You can use snap traps, glue traps, and live catch traps. The best thing about traps is that you get to know when the rodent has been captured. Also, you won’t need to use rat poison indoors.

Traps also allow you to remove the dead rodents to avoid insect infestations. Place the traps where you notice activity. Ensure that the trigger end is touching the walls, and the trap is perpendicular to the wall to maximize your effort.

You can place bait like peanut butter or bacon to intercept the rats. You can tie the bait to the trigger to prevent rodents from removing the lure without setting off the trap.

Set up a Bait Station

Setting up a rat bait station can help you learn how to get rid of rats in house fast. All you need is a station and bait inside it. Note that the rat won’t die in the actual station.

The rodent will eat the killer bait and travels back to its nest. It will die two days later. You can find bait stations in different refillable and disposable options. One advantage of this method is that it can kill multiple rodents at one time.

You can find preloaded disposable bait stations, which means you won’t have to touch the bait. Place it where you notice rat activity to get rid of them.

Use Rat Poison

You’ll need to get rid of potential food sources to ensure that the rats are willing to consume what you’re offering. Keep all foods in airtight containers and clean off the crumbs.

You can put poison on the bait to attract rodents. While this method may be useful, you may find it challenging to know where the rats disappeared. That could lead to unpleasant smells that could attract other insects.

Preventing a Rat Infestation

Rat control is essential if you don’t want to deal with an infestation. Some of the actions you can take to prevent this include:

Watch out for Signs of an Infestation

The first step towards getting rid of rats is to look out for signs of an infestation. Some indicators like gnawing marks, droppings, a musky scent, and seeing rat trucks could signal a rat problem. You may also notice dead rats or find burrows in your backyard.

These signs will tell you that you have a rat infestation, and you may need to get professional help.

Sealing Any Openings

The best way to get rid of rats is to make sure that you seal off any holes and cracks that could act as entry points for these rodents. Ensure that you fill gaps around pipes using cement. Get rid of wood piles that could serve as a hiding spot for these pests. Thin out dense plant growth and trim the bushes.

Cover Trash Cans and Garbage Bins

If you have any household food waste, ensure that you dispose of it properly in garbage bags. Close off these bags tightly. Avoid leaving waste for extended periods.

Get a Cat

A cat can act as a natural rat repellent. Cats eat these rodents, and rats will stay away from where there is a predator present.

Eliminate Ways for Rats to Climb Into Your House

The Norway rat and the roof rat are excellent climbers and will always find a way to get inside your house using what’s available. Make sure that you don’t have hanging tree branches or those that extend over the roofline.

Vines like the ivy can also be a perfect way for these rodents to get inside. Invest in heavy plastic or metal around the bottom of pipes and trees to prevent entry.

Perform the Necessary Repairs and Maintenance

You may want to reconsider your decision if you’ve been procrastinating, and pushing your repairs to a later date. Start by making repairs to your windows, doors, walls, and foundation.

Professional Rat Control and Prevention

Sometimes getting rid of rats can be an uphill task, especially if you’re dealing with large numbers. That’s why it’s essential to contact a rat extermination service. Apart from having the expertise, the professionals provide specialized rat control solutions for your home, which guarantees fast removal through the use of targeted and safe treatments.

More information about rats and rat removal