What should you do if rats are running in the house? - briefly
Locate and seal all gaps or openings, then deploy suitable traps or bait while eliminating accessible food sources. If the infestation does not subside promptly, contact a licensed pest‑control professional for thorough removal.
What should you do if rats are running in the house? - in detail
Rats inside a dwelling demand immediate, systematic action. First, confirm the infestation by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, gnawed food packages, and audible scurrying. Next, eliminate food sources: store all pantry items in sealed containers, clean crumbs from countertops, and empty pet feeders after each use. Secure garbage in tightly closed bins and remove compost piles from the interior.
Inspect the building envelope for entry points. Seal gaps larger than a quarter‑inch with steel wool, copper mesh, or caulk; cover vents and utility openings with metal screens. Repair broken door sweeps and weather‑stripping. Install door thresholds that close tightly.
Choose a control method. For immediate reduction, set snap traps or electronic traps along walls, behind appliances, and in concealed areas. Bait with peanut butter, dried fruit, or commercial rodent attractant. Place traps perpendicular to the wall, with the trigger end facing the wall. Use multiple traps to increase capture probability. For long‑term management, consider tamper‑proof bait stations containing anticoagulant poison, but follow local regulations and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Monitor progress daily. Record captured rodents, replace bait, and relocate traps as needed. After several weeks without evidence of activity, conduct a final inspection of potential hiding spots. If signs persist, repeat sealing and trapping cycles or engage a licensed pest‑control professional.
Maintain preventive habits: keep the home clean, store food properly, and perform periodic inspections of the building’s exterior. Consistent vigilance prevents re‑infestation and protects health and property.