How to Get Rid of Rats - Kitchen Cabinets

Rats can be a nuisance and cause damage, so getting rid of them is important for maintaining a healthy home. Here is an extensive guide on effective methods and tips for rat removal and prevention.

Understanding Rats

Before removing rats, it’s helpful to understand some background information about these rodents. This can aid in finding better solutions to eliminate them.

Common Rat Species

There are three main rat species that invade homes:

Roof Rat – A slim, agile rodent with large ears and a long tail. They are excellent climbers and often nest in trees or elevated places in attics.
Norway Rat – A burly rodent with small ears and a shorter tail. They nest at ground level and dig burrows.
House Rat – A medium-sized rat with moderate climbing skills that can nest anywhere indoors.

Behavior and Habits

Rats are intelligent creatures of habit. Knowing their tendencies can help identify vulnerabilities when removing them:

Nocturnal – Most active at night and can make noises like squeaking and gnawing.
Omnivores – They eat a wide variety of foods, especially meats, grains, pet food.
Nest in groups – Colonies can contain dozens of rats that reproduce quickly.
Chew on materials – Their front teeth constantly grow so they gnaw on objects to wear them down. This can cause property damage.
Enter small spaces – They can squeeze through holes and cracks as small as 1/2 inch in diameter.
Follow scent trails – Rats memorize paths via smell and repeatedly use the same routes.

Finding Signs of Infestation

Look for the following evidence to determine if rats have invaded the home:

Droppings – Dark pellet-shaped feces, about 3/4 inch long, with blunt ends.
Grease marks or smears – Left by rat’s fur rubbing against surfaces they pass through. Usually seen along walls.
Burrows and holes – tunnels outside lead to nests and entryways inside.
Chew marks – Visible teeth marks on materials like wood or electrical wires.
Musky odor – Smell of urine and scent markings.
Noises – Hearing rats squeaking, gnawing, or clawing at night indicates activity.
Damage to food – Finding packages chewed open and contents eaten.
Live or dead rats – Actual sightings is definite proof. Traps may also catch them.

Any combinations of these signs likely mean rats have taken up residence on the property.

Eliminating Entry Points

Rats exploit small openings to infiltrate homes. Finding and blocking all possible entryways is crucial for permanent removal.

Common Entry Points

Under doors – if gaps between door and floor is over 1/2 inch
Around pipes and utility lines – spaces where wires or pipes enter foundation
Cracks in foundation – look for gaps or holes in basement walls
Openings in exterior walls – areas around damaged siding, vents, or windows
Attic vents and openings – if large enough for a rat to squeeze through
Chimneys – openings at top or where connected to house
Around AC systems – spaces behind condenser or evaporator units

How to Block Entries

Use these methods to seal up any entries found:

Caulk or foam sealant – Fill in minor cracks and small holes
Cement or mortar – Patch around larger gaps in foundation
Metal lath strips – Tack over damaged sections of siding or vents
Wire mesh – Stuff into openings around pipes or AC units
Steel wool – Compact into areas rodents are gnawing to deter chewing
Door sweeps and thresholds – Install to block space beneath doors

Be sure to inspect exterior perimeter and structures inside home thoroughly. Eliminate all possible entryways or rats will find their way back in eventually.

Sanitation and Removal of Food Sources

Starving rats out is an integral part of removing them for good. Follow these housekeeping practices:

Store food in sealed containers – Eliminate access to dry goods, grains, cereals etc.
Keep counters and floors clear of crumbs – Do not leave any food debris out
Take out trash regularly – Do not allow bags to accumulate indoors
Pick up pet food dishes – Feed pets only what they can eat per meal, do not free feed
Clean grease and food residue – Routinely clean behind and under appliances to remove grease buildup
Inspect insulation – Rats will tear into insulation to nest in it if it smells of food odors
Remove outdoor food sources – Pick up fallen fruits/nuts, manage compost bins securely

Following meticulous sanitation regimens are necessary to remove all possible food sources. Starved rats are more likely to leave in search of food.

traps

Trapping is an economical and effective way to capture rats so they can be disposed of. There are several types:

Snap Traps

Set along walls or in high activity areas based on signs
Bait with peanut butter, chocolate, or bacon
Place traps perpendicular to the wall to catch rodents by surprise

Glue Boards

Similar setup to snap traps
Rats caught on sticky surface and immobilizes them
No blood or mess since rats are not killed

Live Cage Traps

Bait live trap and place in pathway of rats
Entering rats are contained but not killed
Release and relocate rats away from property

Electronic Traps

High-tech traps that deliver lethal shock
Effective for killing rats or mice
Can view kill counts on digital display

Check traps daily and replace them in areas of continued activity until all rats are removed. Dispose of dead rats by double bagging and placing in trash can outside.

Poison Bait

Rodenticide poisons also provide lethal results when ingested. Use these tips for proper usage:

Place bait in tamper-resistant boxes – Stops children and pets getting access
Follow all label directions carefully – Wear gloves and use outdoors if required
Try first-generation anticoagulant baits – Safer and less toxic than second-generation
Look for signs of feeding – If bait is avoided, try another formulation
Search for and dispose of dead rats – Prevent access by scavengers
Limit indoor use if possible – Outdoor baiting is safer and limits bad odors
Note regulations – Some cities prohibit certain rodenticides so check local laws

Poison takes effect in 3-5 days usually. Look for rats displaying signs of illness and be prepared to dispose of carcasses.

Natural Predators

In some cases, natural predators can help reduce rat populations outdoors:

Owls, hawks, and snakes – pounce on rats in gardens and around outbuildings
Cats and dogs – Terriers and other breeds can be excellent hunters and have success catching rats
Encourage natural competitors – Chipmunks, mice, and shrews occupy similar niches and compete with rats

While predators alone won’t fully solve infestations, they can contribute to removal and keeping populations down.

Repellents and Deterrents

Various products create environments unsuitable to pests:

Rodent Repellents

Use ammonia soaked cotton balls – Strong odors deter rats
Sprinkle capsaicin powder – Rats avoid spicy sensations
Place pouches of mothballs – Unpleasant odor repulsive to rodents
Use ultrasonic devices – Emits high-frequency sound waves only heard by rats
Set up outdoor lights – Rats avoid illuminated areas

Rodent-Proofing Materials

Copper or galvanized steel mesh – Unpleasant tasting metals rats won’t chew through
Concrete patching – Fills in gnawing points and deters chewing
Expanding foam filler – Seals off entries and deters gnawing
Hot pepper wax – Coat vulnerable areas to prevent gnawing

Using deterrents helps make areas inhospitable. However repellents alone will not drive out entrenched rats fully.

partnering with Professional Exterminators

For extensive infestations, bringing in professional pest control may be advisable:

Have an inspection done – Get expert assessment of situation and scope of infestation
Inquire about proofing services – Many companies seal up entries as part of treatment
Ask about exclusion services – Some firms install wire mesh barriers around gardens and sheds
See what products pros use – Licensed applicators have access to more advanced rodenticides
Discuss baiting programs – Companies strategically bait on a large scale
Review preventative maintenance – Some offer quarterly visits to monitor and manage pest activity

Let the exterminator design a comprehensive plan based on the home’s unique scenario. This often provides the best results.

Preventing Future Infestations

Use these strategies to help keep rats from returning after removing an infestation:

Maintain Sanitation

Prevent access and remove all food sources as outlined previously. Starving them out discourages recurrence.

Monitor for Signs

Inspect the home’s perimeter and interior on a regular basis looking for any evidence of rats. Being vigilant allows addressing issues before they escalate.

Manage Landscaping

Prune vegetation at least 2 feet back from home’s exterior. Eliminate wood piles, debris, and excess plant growth that could harbor rats.

Conduct Annual Maintenance

Inspect entry points and proof as needed
Clean out eaves and attics
Check status of traps and bait stations
Review deterrents and freshen repellents

Being proactive prevents small issues from becoming infestations later.

Call At First Signs

If any indicators of rat activity arise, call in a professional service immediately. Getting a jump start on problems is key.

Staying diligent in order to detect and address recurrences quickly can help avoid serious future headaches.

Conclusion

Rats can be tenacious pests requiring diligence and patience to remove fully. Using a combination of sealing up entries, removing food sources, deploying traps and baits, and implementing deterrents can provide control of even severe infestations. Partnering with professional exterminators is wise for large scale issues. Staying vigilant and maintaining prevention habits will go a long way in keeping rats away for good.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Rid of Rats

Rats can be difficult to eliminate fully. Here are answers to common questions about managing rat infestations effectively:

What is the most effective way to get rid of rats?

Using a multi-pronged approach is best. Sealing up all possible entryways, extensive trapping, removing food sources, and using baits/poisons in tandem provides the best chances for complete removal. Be vigilant in looking for signs and addressing issues promptly as well.

How do you keep rats from coming back once removed?

Prevention is key after eliminating rats. Be diligent in maintaining sanitation, managing vegetation/clutter near home, proofing possible entries, installing deterrents, conducting routine monitoring, and contacting pest control at first sign of recurrence. Proper prevention habits make it much less likely rats will re-infest.

How do exterminators get rid of rats permanently?

Exterminators use the comprehensive process outlined here but on a larger scale with commercial-grade products and equipment. They bait extensively around the property and use more powerful rodenticides. They have the tools to permanently seal major entryways and perform exclusion work as well. Their expertise in fully eradicating infestations and keeping them away is invaluable.

What scent will keep rats away?

Strong odors that rats dislike can help repel them. Ammonia and mothballs give off scents that rats tend to avoid. Peppermint and garlic oil can also deter rodents when applied around entries and nesting areas. Introducing unpleasant smells makes the environment less hospitable.

Will regular mouse traps catch rats?

Some regular snap traps for mice may occasionally catch a smaller rat, but often are ineffective for larger rats. There are larger rat-sized snap traps sold specifically sized for trapping rats. These traps combined with a bait highly attractive to rats will yield the best trapping success. Glue boards also work well for trapping and containing live rats.

Will rats eventually die off without food?

Unfortunately rats rarely just die off on their own even without an obvious food source. Some may leave in search of food, but those entrenched in a location will search harder for any possible food if starved. They turn to chewing and eating new materials in desperation. Removing food only encourages them to range farther but does not directly make them die off. Other removal methods must be used in conjunction with starving them out.

How long after seeing a rat should I be concerned?

Seeing one rat likely indicates a larger infestation requiring control. Rats multiply quickly and establish colonies. It is best to take action right away when the first rat is detected to prevent exponential growth. The sooner removal methods can begin, the better. Having a professional inspection is wise to determine where rats are entering and nesting.

What home remedy gets rid of rats permanently?

No single home remedy reliably gets rid of rats permanently. Even natural repellents and homebrew solutions are usually only partially and temporarily effective. Resolving severe infestations requires an integrated pest management plan using multiple methods simultaneously, which is best left to professional exterminators. They have the proper products, tools, and expertise.

What scent will keep rats away?

Will rats eventually die off without food?

Conclusion

Rats can be elusive and difficult pests to control. However, through diligent prevention habits and utilizing a strategic approach of exclusion, trapping, baiting, and establishing deterrents, even severe rat infestations can be successfully eliminated. Remaining vigilant after removal is equally important in order to prevent recurring issues in the future. Addressing problems promptly and partnering with professionals when warranted will help ensure rats never gain a foothold in the home long-term.