What should I do about rats? - briefly
Identify and seal every possible entry, then use traps or professional baiting to eradicate the rodents. If the problem persists, contact a licensed pest‑control service for comprehensive treatment.
What should I do about rats? - in detail
Rats thrive where food, water, and shelter are readily available. Eliminate these resources to reduce attraction.
- Store dry goods in sealed containers; keep pantry shelves clean.
- Repair leaky pipes and gutters; remove standing water.
- Clear debris, compost, and pet food from the yard; keep garbage in tightly sealed bins.
Secure entry points. Inspect foundations, walls, and roofs for gaps larger than ¼ inch. Use steel wool, cement, or metal flashing to block holes, especially around utility lines and vents.
If activity is already present, choose an appropriate control method.
- Live traps – place baited cages along walls, check daily, release captured rodents at least 5 m from the property.
- Snap traps – position perpendicular to travel routes, use peanut butter or oat cereal as bait; wear gloves to avoid scent transfer.
- Electronic traps – deliver a quick lethal shock; suitable for indoor use where poison is undesirable.
- Rodenticides – apply only in secured bait stations, follow label instructions, keep away from children and pets; consider secondary poisoning risks.
When using poison, monitor for dead rodents to prevent decomposition inside walls, which can cause odor and health hazards. Dispose of carcasses in sealed bags according to local regulations.
Professional exterminators provide integrated pest management: inspection, exclusion, baiting, and ongoing monitoring. Engage a licensed service if the infestation exceeds a few individuals or if structural damage is evident.
Maintain vigilance after control measures. Conduct monthly inspections, keep sanitation standards, and repeat exclusion steps to prevent re‑infestation. Continuous prevention is more effective than reactive eradication.