What should I do about rats chewing everything? - briefly
Seal all entry points, remove accessible food and water, and use snap traps or professional bait stations to eliminate the rodents. Inspect regularly for fresh damage and maintain strict sanitation to prevent future gnawing.
What should I do about rats chewing everything? - in detail
Rats that gnaw on wires, furniture, food containers, and structural components pose a serious risk to health and property. Effective control requires a systematic approach.
First, identify all signs of activity. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, greasy smears along walls, and nesting material. Track the locations of damage to determine the most active zones.
Second, eliminate access. Seal cracks, holes, and gaps larger than one‑quarter inch with steel wool, cement, or metal mesh. Install tight-fitting door sweeps and repair damaged screens. Ensure that utility openings, such as those for pipes and vents, are properly covered.
Third, remove attractants. Store food in sealed containers, clean up spills promptly, and keep garbage in containers with tight lids. Reduce clutter that can serve as shelter; keep storage areas orderly and elevate items off the floor.
Fourth, deploy control devices. Use snap traps or electronic traps positioned along walls, behind objects, and near identified pathways. Place bait stations with rodenticides in tamper‑resistant containers, following label instructions and local regulations. Rotate trap locations regularly to prevent bait shyness.
Fifth, monitor progress. Check traps daily, record captures, and inspect previously damaged areas for new signs. Continue preventive measures for at least three months after the last capture to ensure the population is eradicated.
Sixth, consider professional assistance when infestations persist or when damage involves electrical wiring, HVAC systems, or structural elements. Licensed exterminators have access to stronger control agents and can conduct comprehensive inspections.
By combining exclusion, sanitation, targeted trapping, and, if necessary, expert intervention, the gnawing problem can be resolved and future occurrences prevented.