What must be done to make rats leave? - briefly
Seal all openings, remove accessible food and water, and employ traps or bait stations to eradicate the infestation.
What must be done to make rats leave? - in detail
Effective rodent control requires a systematic approach that eliminates food sources, blocks entry points, and reduces the existing population.
First, remove all attractants. Store grain, pet food, and garbage in sealed containers. Clean spills promptly and keep countertops free of crumbs. Compost bins should be tightly covered, and outdoor trash cans must have lids that close securely.
Second, seal the building envelope. Inspect walls, foundations, and rooflines for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Install steel wool or copper mesh in small openings, and use cement, metal flashing, or expanding foam to close larger cracks. Install self‑closing doors on utility and basement entries.
Third, reduce shelter. Trim vegetation within two meters of the structure, remove debris piles, and keep stored items off the ground. Eliminate standing water that can serve as a drinking source.
Fourth, implement population reduction. Deploy snap traps or electronic kill traps along known runways, placing them perpendicular to walls with bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit. Use multiple traps to increase capture rates. If poison is chosen, select a regulated anticoagulant bait, place it in tamper‑resistant stations, and follow label instructions to avoid non‑target exposure.
Fifth, monitor and adjust. Check traps daily, record captures, and relocate stations to new activity zones as needed. Conduct follow‑up inspections after two weeks to verify that no new signs of activity appear.
Finally, consider professional assistance when infestations persist or when structural modifications are required. Certified pest‑control operators possess the expertise to conduct comprehensive assessments, apply advanced control methods, and ensure compliance with local regulations.