How do you remove a rat from a cellar? - briefly
Place snap or live traps with suitable bait, then locate and seal all holes, cracks, and utility openings to prevent further access. Monitor the traps regularly and dispose of captured rodents promptly.
How do you remove a rat from a cellar? - in detail
Identify the infestation by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material. Confirm the presence before taking action.
Sanitize the area. Remove food sources, store supplies in sealed containers, and clean up spills. Reduce moisture by fixing leaks and improving ventilation.
Locate entry points. Inspect walls, floors, pipes, and vents for gaps. Seal openings larger than a quarter‑inch with steel wool, cement, or metal flashing; smaller cracks can be filled with expanding foam.
Choose a control method:
- Snap traps: place baited devices along walls, behind objects, and near known activity zones. Check daily and dispose of captured rodents promptly.
- Live‑catch traps: set baited cages, release captured animals at least ten miles from the property, complying with local regulations.
- Electronic traps: position devices that deliver a lethal shock; ensure power source is reliable.
- Poison baits: use anticoagulant blocks or stations only in inaccessible locations to prevent accidental exposure to non‑target species; follow label instructions precisely.
Deploy traps in multiple locations for several nights, rotating positions to increase capture rates. Record trap success to assess progress.
If activity persists after two weeks, consider professional pest‑control services. Experts can perform thorough inspections, apply rodenticides safely, and provide long‑term exclusion solutions.
Maintain preventive measures: keep the cellar dry, store items off the floor, and conduct periodic inspections of seals and traps. Continuous vigilance prevents re‑infestation.