What should you do if you have a rat at home? - briefly
Seal all possible entry points, deploy appropriate traps or contact a licensed pest‑control service, and thoroughly clean and disinfect any contaminated areas.
What should you do if you have a rat at home? - in detail
Discovering a rodent inside your residence requires swift, systematic action. First, confirm the presence by looking for droppings, gnaw marks, or audible activity. Seal off the area where the animal was seen to prevent further movement.
- Eliminate food sources. Store all pantry items in airtight containers, clean up crumbs, and remove pet food overnight.
- Reduce water availability. Fix leaky pipes, wipe down sinks, and empty standing water containers.
- Block entry points. Inspect walls, foundations, and utility openings; fill gaps with steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.
- Set traps. Choose snap traps for immediate kill, or live‑capture cages if relocation is preferred. Place traps along walls, behind appliances, and near identified runways. Bait with peanut butter, dried fruit, or meat.
- Dispose of captured rodents safely. Wear gloves, place the animal in a sealed bag, and discard it in an outdoor trash container.
- Sanitize the environment. Use a disinfectant to clean surfaces contaminated by droppings or urine; wear a mask to avoid inhaling pathogens.
- Monitor activity. Check traps daily for several weeks, resetting or repositioning as needed.
After removal, implement preventive measures to discourage re‑infestation. Maintain a tidy kitchen, keep garbage bins sealed, and schedule regular inspections of structural integrity. If the problem persists despite these steps, enlist a licensed pest‑control professional for comprehensive treatment.