What should I do if rats appear in the house? - briefly
First, identify and seal every opening the rodents could use, place snap traps or bait stations where activity is observed, and eliminate accessible food and water sources. If the problem continues, engage a licensed pest‑control service for thorough elimination.
What should I do if rats appear in the house? - in detail
If rodents are discovered inside the residence, begin with containment. Close doors to rooms where activity is observed, turn off lights in those areas, and keep pets and children away until the problem is resolved.
Conduct a systematic inspection. Follow walls, baseboards, and ceilings to locate droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting material. Record each finding on a diagram to identify high‑traffic zones and probable entry points.
Seal all openings larger than a quarter of an inch. Apply steel wool or copper mesh to gaps around pipes, vents, and cable entries, then cover with caulk or expanding foam. Install door sweeps on exterior doors and repair damaged screens.
Choose an appropriate control method. For immediate reduction, place snap traps or electronic devices along identified pathways, positioned perpendicular to walls with the trigger end facing the wall. Use bait such as peanut butter, dried fruit, or meat. If poison is preferred, select a registered rodenticide, place it in tamper‑resistant bait stations, and follow label instructions precisely to avoid secondary poisoning.
Eliminate food and shelter sources. Store pantry items in sealed containers, clean crumbs and spills promptly, and discard garbage nightly. Reduce clutter, especially cardboard boxes and piles of fabric, which provide nesting sites.
If activity persists after these measures, enlist a licensed pest‑management professional. Request an integrated pest‑management plan that combines exclusion, monitoring, and targeted control while complying with local health regulations.