What should you do if rats have invaded your home? - briefly
Seal all possible entry points, deploy traps or bait stations, and enlist a licensed pest‑control service for thorough removal. Clean and disinfect contaminated areas and discard any compromised food supplies.
What should you do if rats have invaded your home? - in detail
Rats inside a dwelling require immediate, systematic action to protect health, prevent damage, and eliminate the infestation.
First, secure the area. Turn off food sources by storing all perishables in airtight containers and promptly cleaning crumbs, spills, and pet food. Remove clutter where rodents can hide, such as piles of newspaper, cardboard, and unused appliances. Seal gaps larger than a quarter‑inch in walls, floors, doors, windows, and utility penetrations with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh; rodents can squeeze through openings as small as a half‑inch.
Second, set traps and baits. Choose a combination of snap traps, electronic traps, and approved anticoagulant baits to increase coverage. Place devices along walls, behind appliances, in attics, basements, and any known travel routes. Wear gloves when handling traps to avoid contaminating scent trails. Label all bait stations and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Third, monitor and record. Check traps daily, recording captures and locations. Replace dead rodents promptly to prevent secondary contamination. Maintain a log of activity to identify hotspots and adjust placement of control devices.
Fourth, clean and disinfect. After removal, wear protective gear and clean surfaces with a detergent solution, followed by a disinfectant effective against rodent‑borne pathogens (e.g., a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Dispose of carcasses in sealed bags and follow local regulations for waste handling.
Fifth, consider professional assistance. If the population appears large, signs of disease, or structural damage is evident, contact a licensed pest‑control operator. Professionals can conduct a thorough inspection, apply rodenticides safely, and provide a long‑term management plan.
Finally, implement preventive measures. Conduct regular inspections for new entry points, maintain sanitation standards, and schedule periodic trap checks even after the infestation appears resolved. Consistent vigilance reduces the likelihood of recurrence.