Rats don't sleep at night; what should I do? - briefly
Seal all possible entry points, eliminate food sources, and deploy appropriate traps or bait stations to curb nocturnal activity. If the problem continues, engage a licensed pest‑control professional for comprehensive treatment.
Rats don't sleep at night; what should I do? - in detail
Rats are naturally active after dark, so hearing scurrying sounds or finding droppings during evening hours indicates a breach in your home’s defenses. The first step is to confirm the presence and locate entry points. Inspect walls, floors, attics, and foundations for gnaw marks, grease trails, and small holes. Seal openings larger than a quarter‑inch with steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing, because rodents can squeeze through very tight spaces.
Next, eliminate food and water sources that sustain nocturnal activity. Store all pantry items in airtight containers, clean up crumbs immediately, and keep trash in sealed bins. Repair leaking pipes and remove standing water from pet dishes, plant trays, and basements. Reducing accessible nutrition forces rats to search elsewhere, decreasing their nighttime foraging inside the building.
Implement physical control measures to capture or kill the intruders. Options include:
- Snap traps placed along walls, behind appliances, and near identified pathways; set them with bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit.
- Electronic traps that deliver a lethal shock instantly, minimizing suffering and allowing easy disposal.
- Live‑capture cages, if relocation is preferred, but release must comply with local wildlife regulations.
When using poison baits, follow these precautions: place stations out of reach of children and non‑target animals, use tamper‑proof containers, and monitor regularly to prevent secondary poisoning. Dispose of dead rodents promptly, wearing gloves and a mask, and disinfect the area with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
If infestations persist despite these interventions, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment, apply rodenticides safely, and provide a long‑term exclusion plan tailored to the property’s structure.
Maintain the preventive measures continuously: regular inspections, prompt repairs, and diligent sanitation. Consistent application of these strategies will suppress nocturnal rodent activity and protect the premises from further damage.