How to evict rats from a house? - briefly
Seal all entry points, eliminate food sources, and deploy snap traps or electronic bait stations to remove the rodents. Inspect and maintain barriers regularly to prevent re‑infestation.
How to evict rats from a house? - in detail
Begin by inspecting every room, attic, basement, and crawl space. Identify gnaw marks, droppings, and pathways. Mark each potential entry point with a removable tag for later sealing.
Seal openings larger than a quarter‑inch. Use stainless‑steel mesh, cement, or expanding foam to block gaps around pipes, vents, and foundation cracks. Install door sweeps and repair damaged weatherstripping.
Deploy trapping devices strategically. Place snap traps or electronic kill traps along walls, behind appliances, and near identified runways. Position bait—peanut butter, dried fruit, or meat morsels—on the trigger. Check traps daily, remove captured rodents, and reset with fresh bait.
Apply rodenticides only where regulations permit and when other methods have failed. Place tamper‑resistant bait stations in concealed locations away from children and pets. Follow label instructions for dosage and disposal.
Maintain a clean environment to deter re‑infestation. Store food in sealed containers, promptly clean spills, and eliminate standing water. Regularly empty trash bins, using lids that close tightly.
Consider professional pest‑control services for large or persistent populations. Experts can conduct a comprehensive exclusion audit, apply licensed fumigation, and provide a monitoring plan.
After removal, schedule monthly inspections for a minimum of three months. Verify that all entry points remain sealed and that no new signs of activity appear. Adjust preventive measures as needed to ensure long‑term protection.