Rats in the house—what should you do to get rid of them? - briefly
Seal all potential entryways, remove accessible food and water, and deploy snap traps or professional bait stations. Conduct periodic inspections to verify that the infestation has been eliminated.
Rats in the house—what should you do to get rid of them? - in detail
Rodent intrusion in a dwelling requires a systematic approach that combines detection, elimination, and prevention.
First, confirm the presence of rats by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, greasy smears along walls, and audible scurrying at night. Examine hidden areas such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, and behind appliances.
Second, remove immediate food sources. Store grains, cereals, and pet food in sealed containers. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly. Keep garbage in tightly closed bins and dispose of waste regularly.
Third, seal entry points. Inspect the building envelope for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or expanding foam to block holes around pipes, vents, and utility penetrations. Install door sweeps and repair damaged weatherstripping.
Fourth, deploy control measures. Choose one or more of the following options, based on the severity of the problem and local regulations:
- Snap traps positioned perpendicular to walls, baited with peanut butter or dried fruit, checked daily.
- Electronic traps delivering a lethal shock, offering a clean kill and easy disposal.
- Live‑catch cages, to be released far from residential areas after humane euthanasia, if permitted.
- Professional bait stations containing anticoagulant or cholecalciferol formulations, placed in concealed locations and monitored by licensed exterminators.
Fifth, monitor the situation continuously. Record trap catches, inspect for new signs of activity, and re‑apply sealing measures as needed.
Finally, maintain a long‑term defense. Conduct quarterly inspections of the building envelope, keep food storage secure, and educate household members about proper waste handling. Consistent vigilance prevents re‑infestation and protects health and property.