How To Get Rid of Rats

1. The First Step for Rat Control is Sanitation, Inspection and Exclusion

The first step is a complete inspection with proper sanitation and exclusion procedures. The next step is choosing between using rodent baits, rat traps, or a combination of both methods.

• Inspection is an essential first step in getting rid of rats. Once you know the location of the rats, you can set traps or place bait.
• Exclusion is an important rodent control technique. It will eliminate the rats by making it difficult for them to enter the home or structure. Rats are easier to exclude than mice because rats are typically larger. Mice can enter an opening as small as 3/8" wide. All openings greater than 1/4" should be sealed to exclude mice. For rats, all openings greater than 1/2 inches should be sealed.
• Please also read the section on Sanitation, as it is an important consideration in rodent control.
• Rats (especially Roof rats) are wary of new objects, new foods, or environmental changes. They are always exploring surroundings and notice changes, and are suspicious by nature. Their suspicious nature is why traps and bait stations may be avoided for a day or two. They approach new food or objects with caution. Within a rat colony, they may be a few extra cautious rats and manage to avoid traps or eating rodent baits.

2. The Second Step for Rat Control is Trapping or Baiting

The most effective method to get rid of rats is trapping them and placing rodent baits.

Reducing Rat Populations By Trapping

Trapping does have some advantages over baiting. It provides an alternative for those who do not want to place rodenticides. If the rat population is small enough, trapping can yield quick results when done properly. Finally, trapping ensures that you can dispose of the dead rats before their odor becomes a problem in an inaccessible area.