What should I do if I have rats? - briefly
Contact a licensed pest‑control professional, seal all possible entry points, remove food and water sources, and deploy appropriate traps or bait to eradicate the infestation.
What should I do if I have rats? - in detail
If rodents have entered your home, immediate action prevents health risks and property damage.
First, confirm the presence. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or live sightings. Identify entry points by inspecting the exterior for gaps around pipes, vents, doors, and windows. Seal openings with steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing; rodents can chew soft materials.
Second, eliminate food sources. Store pantry items in airtight containers, clean crumbs promptly, and keep garbage in sealed bins. Remove pet food after each feeding and avoid leaving water dishes overnight.
Third, set up control measures. Choose one or more of the following:
- Snap traps: place along walls, behind objects, and near suspected activity. Use bait such as peanut butter or dried fruit. Check daily and dispose of captured rodents according to local regulations.
- Live traps: suitable for humane capture; release captured animals at least 100 meters from the residence.
- Electronic traps: deliver a quick, lethal shock; require batteries and regular cleaning.
- Bait stations: contain anticoagulant or non‑anticoagulant poison; restrict access to children and pets, and follow label instructions precisely.
Fourth, maintain sanitation and monitoring. After removal, clean contaminated areas with a disinfectant solution (e.g., 1 % bleach). Wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling dust. Continue to monitor for signs of activity for several weeks, resetting traps as needed.
Fifth, consider professional assistance if infestations persist, if structural damage is extensive, or if you are uncomfortable handling poisons. Pest‑control experts can conduct thorough inspections, apply rodenticides safely, and offer long‑term prevention plans.
Finally, adopt preventive habits: keep vegetation trimmed away from the building, store firewood off the ground, and inspect deliveries for stowaway rodents. Consistent vigilance reduces the likelihood of future incursions.