How can you get rid of rats using a home method? - briefly
Deploy snap or live traps baited with peanut butter at suspected pathways and seal cracks with steel wool and caulk. Distribute cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil to repel any remaining rodents.
How can you get rid of rats using a home method? - in detail
Rats can be eliminated from a residence by applying a systematic, home‑based approach that combines exclusion, sanitation, and control devices.
Identify and seal all potential entry points. Inspect walls, foundation, roof eaves, vents, and utility openings. Use steel wool or copper mesh to fill gaps, then cover with caulk or hardware cloth. Pay particular attention to gaps larger than a quarter of an inch, as rats can squeeze through very small openings.
Reduce food sources. Store dry goods in airtight containers, keep pet food in sealed bins, and clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Remove clutter such as cardboard boxes, firewood stacks, and discarded debris that provide nesting material.
Deploy trapping devices. Choose snap traps for immediate kill or live‑catch traps for relocation. Position traps along walls, behind appliances, and near known activity zones. Bait traps with high‑fat items such as peanut butter, bacon, or dried fruit. Check traps daily, dispose of captured rodents using sealed bags, and reset with fresh bait.
Apply natural repellents where appropriate. Sprinkle powdered cayenne pepper, peppermint oil‑soaked cotton balls, or crushed dried cloves in entryways and along walls. These substances deter rodents through strong odors and irritation.
Maintain ongoing monitoring. Install motion‑activated infrared sensors or chew‑detecting devices to alert to new activity. Conduct regular inspections of the exterior and interior for fresh gnaw marks, droppings, or burrows.
If infestation persists despite these measures, consider professional pest‑control services for targeted rodenticides or advanced exclusion techniques.