What should you do if there are rats in the walls? - briefly
If you discover rodents within your wall cavities, immediately contact a licensed pest‑control service to assess and eradicate the infestation while sealing any entry gaps to prevent re‑entry. After removal, repair insulation and sanitize the area to eliminate health hazards.
What should you do if there are rats in the walls? - in detail
Discovering rodents behind your drywall requires immediate, systematic action.
First, confirm the infestation. Listen for scratching or scurrying noises, look for droppings, gnaw marks, or grease tracks along baseboards and pipes. Use a flashlight to inspect accessible voids; a small inspection hole can reveal activity without extensive demolition.
Second, protect yourself. Wear thick gloves, a disposable mask, and eye protection. Rodents can carry diseases and their urine may contaminate surfaces. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Third, eliminate food sources. Store all pantry items in sealed containers, clean crumbs from floors and counters, and secure garbage in metal bins with tight lids. Removing attractants reduces the population’s incentive to remain.
Fourth, identify and seal entry points. Examine the exterior for gaps around utility lines, vents, foundation cracks, and roof eaves. Use steel wool, copper mesh, or expanding foam to block small openings; for larger gaps, install metal flashing or concrete patch. Seal interior cracks in drywall or plaster with fire‑rated caulk to prevent re‑entry.
Fifth, set traps. Choose snap traps or electronic devices for rapid kill; place them perpendicular to walls, with the trigger end facing the rodent’s travel path. Bait with peanut butter, dried fruit, or raw meat. Position traps along known runways, behind appliances, and near suspected nesting sites. Check traps daily, remove carcasses, and reset as needed.
Sixth, consider bait stations. If the infestation is extensive, use anticoagulant bait in tamper‑resistant stations placed out of reach of non‑target animals. Follow label instructions precisely, and monitor consumption.
Seventh, clean contaminated areas. After removal, disinfect surfaces with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Dispose of droppings and nesting material in sealed bags; avoid sweeping dry debris, which can aerosolize pathogens. Allow the area to dry thoroughly before repairing.
Eighth, repair structural damage. Replace chewed insulation, seal holes in drywall, and reinstall any removed panels. Use rodent‑resistant materials, such as metal flashing or cement board, in high‑risk zones.
Ninth, evaluate the need for professional assistance. Persistent problems, extensive damage, or uncertainty about entry points warrant a licensed pest‑control operator. Professionals can conduct a thorough inspection, apply rodenticides safely, and provide a long‑term exclusion plan.
Finally, implement ongoing prevention. Schedule quarterly visual inspections, maintain a clean environment, and keep exterior vegetation trimmed to reduce shelter. Regularly check seals around pipes and vents to ensure they remain intact.
Following these steps eliminates the current problem, restores safety, and minimizes the likelihood of future intrusion.