What should you do if rats appear in your home? - briefly
Identify and seal every opening that rodents can use, then deploy snap traps or bait stations and contact a licensed pest‑control service for comprehensive removal.
What should you do if rats appear in your home? - in detail
If you discover rodents inside your living space, act promptly to prevent health risks and property damage. Begin by confirming the infestation: look for droppings, gnaw marks, nests, and audible activity, especially at night.
Secure the environment. Seal entry points larger than a quarter‑inch with steel wool, metal flashing, or cement; rodents can squeeze through tiny gaps around pipes, vents, and foundations. Install door sweeps and repair torn screens.
Eliminate food sources. Store all pantry items in airtight containers, clean countertops and floors of crumbs, and empty pet feeders after each meal. Dispose of garbage in sealed bins and remove compost piles from the immediate vicinity of the house.
Set up control measures. Choose between traps, bait stations, or professional extermination based on the severity of the problem and local regulations. For traps, use snap or electronic devices placed along walls, behind appliances, and near suspected runways; check and reset them daily. If using poison baits, place them in tamper‑proof stations away from children and pets, and follow label instructions precisely.
Monitor activity. Keep a log of captures, droppings, and new sightings to assess the effectiveness of interventions. Adjust placement of traps or baits as needed, focusing on areas with the highest activity.
After the infestation subsides, conduct a thorough sanitation. Disinfect surfaces with a solution of bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or an EPA‑approved disinfectant. Remove and replace heavily contaminated insulation or insulation in walls if necessary.
Maintain long‑term prevention. Perform regular inspections of the building envelope, keep vegetation trimmed away from the foundation, and store firewood at least 20 feet from the house. Schedule periodic professional pest‑management assessments to catch early signs of re‑infestation.