Ways to Get Rid of Rats

Rats and other rodents are common pests that cause nuisance to the home and surroundings. In addition to damaging the household items, vegetable gardens and flower beds, rats and mice are the host for certain microorganisms that can spread different diseases to humans. Some of the life-threatening diseases for which rats serve as a host for the pathogens are black plague, toxoplasmosis and Weil’s disease.

Another common problem is food poisoning, which is caused by ingestion of harmful bacteria present in the rat's hair and urine. Considering these hazards, it is always better to get rid of rats, unless they are reared as pets.

Ways to Get Rid of Rats

Common signs that indicate the presence of rats are footprints (four and five toed), small droppings (poopie) in the corners, urine dribbles that glow under black light, debris of foods and goods, gnaw marks on wood furniture and rub marks particularly on the walls. As rats eat randomly, they may damage several fruits and meats at a time. If there are gnaw marks in the damaged foods, you can confirm the presence of rats in the house.

In order to get rid of rats, the first and foremost step is to seal all the foods and clean leftovers. You can store cereals and other food sources in metal and glass containers with tight lids. Even pet foods should be kept covered in tight containers. Food leftovers can be taken care of by using a metal trash bin with tight-fitting covers. Plastic containers should be avoided as rats have gnawing ability. Vegetables and fruits should be kept in the refrigerator. In case you have bird feeders, regular cleaning should be done to remove leftovers.

Clutter areas in the house are a preferable shelter for rats. Hence, cleaning such areas will also help in getting rid of rats. For the effective control of rats, you can seal or block holes or other entry areas where rats are likely to enter the house. Crevices and holes can be filled with mortar; whereas strong metal screens are usually used to secure open drains. You can also secure the holes where wires and pipes are fitted.

If there is severe infestation, you can opt for chemical control method to get rid of rats. There are several rodent-killing chemicals available in the market. However, it is to be noted that these chemicals are hazardous to health. Hence, self-handling is not recommended, rather you can contact a pet-control professional for the purpose. Make sure to follow all the safety precautions as recommended by the professional.

Another effective method to get rid of rats is to use the rat traps. You can purchase snap traps of larger size for placing in the areas where rats are likely to come. For attracting rats in the snap traps, you can use foods such as hot dogs and bacons as baits. It is always advisable to check the traps regularly. After catching rats and other rodents, make sure to hold them after wearing gloves. In case, the rodent appears diseased, you should call pest control services. You can continue using snap traps even after the rat population is controlled. This way, future rat infestations can be prevented.