How can you get rid of rats in the garage? - briefly
Seal all gaps, store food in sealed containers, place snap traps or bait stations, and keep the area clean to prevent recurrence. Inspect periodically and replace traps as needed.
How can you get rid of rats in the garage? - in detail
Identify entry points by examining walls, doors, windows, and utility openings. Seal gaps larger than a quarter‑inch with steel wool, copper mesh, or expanding foam. Install door sweeps and weather‑stripping to block access.
Remove food sources. Store pet feed, birdseed, and garbage in sealed containers. Clean spills promptly and sweep the floor to eliminate crumbs. Keep the garage free of clutter; store boxes on pallets to reduce hiding places.
Implement trapping. Place snap traps or electronic kill traps along walls, behind stored items, and near suspected runways. Use bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or canned meat. Check traps daily and dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
Apply bait stations if necessary. Choose tamper‑proof stations containing anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant rodenticides. Position stations out of reach of children and pets, preferably near walls and away from food storage areas. Follow label instructions for dosage and replacement intervals.
Maintain ongoing monitoring. Install motion‑activated cameras or infrared detectors to verify activity after interventions. Record trap catches and bait consumption to assess effectiveness.
Consider professional pest control when infestations persist despite these measures. Certified technicians can conduct thorough inspections, apply targeted rodenticides, and provide warranties for continued protection.