How can you eliminate rats in a cellar with potatoes? - briefly
Place peeled potatoes soaked in a certified rodenticide at suspected entry points and along walls to attract and poison the rodents; the strong scent draws them in, and the toxin eliminates them quickly. After treatment, remove all food debris and seal gaps to prevent reinfestation.
How can you eliminate rats in a cellar with potatoes? - in detail
Rats entering a storage area where potatoes are kept can be driven out by combining proper sanitation, strategic bait placement, and effective trapping.
First, remove any food debris, spilled grain, or rotting produce that could attract rodents. Sweep the floor, clean shelves, and store potatoes in sealed containers or in bins with tight-fitting lids. Reducing available nourishment forces the pests to search for new sources.
Next, use raw potatoes as bait. Cut a potato into 2‑3 cm cubes, soak them briefly in a mild attractant such as a few drops of vegetable oil, and place the pieces on the trigger mechanism of a snap trap or a live‑catch cage. The sweet, starchy scent draws rats, while the solid texture prevents them from chewing through the bait.
Implement a trapping schedule:
- Set traps along walls, behind shelving, and near known runways.
- Check traps every 12 hours; remove captured rats promptly.
- Replace bait with fresh potato pieces after each check.
- Rotate trap locations weekly to cover new activity zones.
If baited traps prove insufficient, consider a low‑dose anticoagulant rodenticide mixed with mashed potato. Apply the mixture to a small portion of a potato slice, place it in a tamper‑proof bait station, and secure the station to prevent non‑target animals from access. Follow label instructions regarding dosage and safety precautions.
Finally, seal entry points. Inspect the cellar for gaps around pipes, vents, and foundation cracks. Install steel wool or metal mesh to block holes no larger than ¼ inch. After repairs, repeat the sanitation and baiting routine for at least two weeks to confirm the absence of activity.
By eliminating food sources, using potatoes as an effective lure, deploying appropriate traps, and securing the structure, the rodent population can be reduced to zero and prevented from returning.