Rats are not only unsightly and alarming to encounter, but they also pose significant health and structural risks. From contaminating food to chewing through electrical wiring, these rodents are a serious nuisance that require prompt action. If you’ve noticed signs of a rat infestation in your home, it’s essential to act swiftly and effectively. At Total Pest Control, we understand the frustration that comes with dealing with rodents. Our expert pest control solutions are designed to not only get rid of rats from your house but also to stop them from returning.
In this blog, we will discuss the steps you can take to get rid of rats from your home. We will also highlight the importance of using professional pest control experts to tackle rat infestations.
Identifying the Signs of a Rat Infestation
Before you can attempt to get rid of rats from your home, it’s important to confirm their presence. Some common signs of a rat infestation existing in a house or property may include:
Droppings: Small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings, typically near food sources, behind appliances, or in hidden corners.
Gnaw marks: Rats have a need to chew constantly. You may notice gnaw marks on furniture, electrical wires, or food packaging.
Nests: Rats build nests using soft materials such as shredded paper, fabric, or insulation. These nests are often found in hidden areas like attics, walls, or behind large appliances.
Noises: Rats are most active at night. If you hear scurrying or scratching sounds in the walls, ceiling, or floors, it’s a likely sign of rodent activity.
Footprints: In dusty areas, you might spot small footprints or tail marks.
Odour: A distinct, musky smell can develop in areas where rats have been nesting or urinating.
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to take action and contact a professional pest control company.
Eliminate Food Sources
One of the first steps in getting rid of rats from a house is to remove their access to food. These rodents are opportunistic and will eat almost anything. To reduce their interest in your home:
To prevent attracting rats, it is essential to store all food, including pet food, in airtight containers made of metal or thick plastic, and avoid leaving any food out, especially pet food overnight. Regularly clean up spills and crumbs by wiping down kitchen surfaces, vacuuming floors, and cleaning under appliances to eliminate food debris. It is vital to ensure that rubbish bins have tight-fitting lids and are emptied regularly, as rats can easily tear into plastic bags.
Block Entry Points
Blocking entry points is essential to get rid of rats from your house. Rats can enter your home through very small openings. Inspect your home carefully to identify potential entry points:
Seal gaps: Use steel wool, caulking, or metal mesh to seal cracks and holes around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Be especially mindful of gaps around utility lines entering the home.
Install door sweeps: Make sure all exterior doors are fitted with door sweeps to close off gaps at the bottom.
Check vents and chimneys: Cover vents and chimney openings with fine mesh to prevent rats from entering.
Repair damaged roofing or walls: Rats can enter through damaged rooflines, fascia boards, or walls. Be sure to address any damage promptly.
Set Traps
Once you’ve eliminated food sources and blocked entry points, the next step is to capture the rats already inside your home. Traps can be the best way to get rid of rats from a home. However, to ensure this is an effective solution, it is recommended to bring in pest control experts.
We use the following methods:
Snap traps: These are the classic spring-loaded traps that kill rats quickly. Position them along walls where rats are likely to travel.
Live traps: If you prefer a more humane approach, live traps can capture rats without killing them. However, be sure to release the rats far away from your home to prevent them from returning.
Electronic traps: These traps deliver a quick and lethal shock to rats, offering a clean and efficient solution.
To get rid of rats from your home effectively, be sure to use the right bait, such as peanut butter, bacon, or dried fruit, and place traps in areas where rat activity is evident. Our team always wears gloves when handling traps to avoid leaving human scent, which can make rats wary.
Use Rodenticides with Caution
While rat poison (rodenticides) can be effective in larger infestations, it should be used with extreme caution. Poison can pose a risk to pets, children, and other wildlife, and rats may die in inaccessible areas, leading to unpleasant odours and health risks from decaying bodies.
If you choose to use rodenticides to get rid of rats from a house, working with a professional pest control service like Total Pest Control is a must. We safely and effectively deploy these solutions.
Maintain a Clean Environment
The best way to get rid of rats from a home is to prevent them from coming in the first place! Rats are less likely to infest homes that are clean and free of clutter. By maintaining good hygiene, you reduce their hiding spots and discourage them from setting up nests. Here’s some tips:
Declutter your home: Regularly clean and organise storage areas like basements, attics, and garages. Keep items off the floor and stored in plastic bins with tight-fitting lids.
Trim vegetation: Rats often hide in overgrown bushes and gardens. Keep vegetation around your home trimmed, and store firewood and other materials at least 18 inches off the ground and away from the house.
Fix leaks: Rats need water to survive, so repair any leaks or standing water sources in and around your home.
When to Call the Professionals
While DIY methods can be effective for smaller infestations, rat problems can quickly escalate beyond your control. If you’re dealing with a large infestation, rats that are resistant to traps, or if you’re concerned about the safety of using poisons, it’s time to call in the professionals.
At Total Pest Control, we offer comprehensive rodent control services to get rid of rats from your home and prevent them from returning. Our experienced technicians use a combination of safe and effective methods, tailored to your specific situation. From advanced trapping techniques to sealing entry points and offering long-term prevention advice, we ensure your home remains rat-free. With a 4.7* Trustpilot rating, we are the best choice for local pest control.
Conclusion
Getting rid of rats from a house requires swift and strategic action. While DIY methods such as securing food, blocking entry points, and setting traps can help control small infestations, rats are persistent pests that can pose serious risks to your health and home. For long-term solutions and complete peace of mind, professional pest control services are often the best approach.
At Total Pest Control, we offer tailored, expert rat control services designed to not only remove rats from your home but also prevent future infestations. Don’t let rats take over your property. Contact our rat control specialists for effective, reliable pest control to get rid of rats from your home.
