How to Get Rid of Rats

The Different Types of Rats

The first step in rat control is identifying the species you are dealing with. The second is a thorough inspection of your home, which will help determine where to place the rat traps and bait. Once you have completed these steps, you have two main treatment options for rats: poisoning them or trapping them.

How to Get Rid of Rats

Sanitation, Inspection, & Exclusion

The first step in rat control is a thorough inspection, followed by proper exclusion and sanitation measures to block entry points. Once the rats' location is identified, you can use traps, bait, or both. Exclusion is essential since rats are more accessible to keep out by sealing openings larger than 1/2 inch. Rats, especially Roof rats, are cautious and may avoid new traps or baits for a day or two. A few particularly wary rats may even avoid them altogether. Adequate sanitation is crucial in preventing infestations.

Trapping

Trapping and using rodent baits are the most effective methods for getting rid of rats. Trapping has advantages over baiting, especially for those who prefer not to use rodenticides or kill rats. It provides immediate results with more minor infestations and ensures dead rats can be easily disposed of before causing odor issues. If handling dead rats is uncomfortable, a local exterminator can assist.

Rodent Bait

Rodenticides should only be used in areas inaccessible to children and pets, with tamper-resistant bait stations required by law to prevent accidental poisoning. Single-feed baits, available in pellets, meal, or block forms, are lethal after one feeding. However, disturbing rats' habitats during baiting can cause them to flee. To prevent new infestations, maintain cleanliness, remove food sources, and eliminate hiding spots. While baits are less labor-intensive, they can lead to odor problems and no bait controls, where rats die or eliminate odors.

How to Identify Different Types of Rats

The two most common rat species in the U.S. are Norway rats and Roof rats, each with distinct habits that impact control methods. Norway rats are larger, with coarse brown fur, a blunt nose, and small ears. In contrast, Roof rats are smaller and sleeker, with grayish-black fur, a pointed nose, and long ears. They are excellent climbers, typically nesting in attics, upper stories, or vegetation.

Common Locations for Roof & Norway Rats

Norway rats live at ground level or in lower building areas, often burrowing near foundations. Roof rats prefer coastal, temperate climates, while Norway rats are more widespread and thrive in cooler regions.

Identifying the species based on their behavior and habitat is crucial for effective control. Inspections reveal where to place traps or baits—higher areas for Roof rats and lower ones for Norway rats. Poison baits and non-toxic traps are available, but geographic location and species-specific behavior will determine the best approach.

How to Know if You Have a Rat Infestation

To successfully get rid of rats, you must know how to detect an infestation in your home:

Strange Odors and Sounds in Your Home

Rats produce a strong ammonia odor, and a rat infestation will have a distinct smell. They're also extremely noisy, squeaking, scratching, and rustling through your house. Either of these signs indicates that rats are present in the structure.

Rat Droppings

As rats walk through your home, they leave droppings behind. Along main rat paths, you may detect small, dark pellet-shaped droppings.

Oil Marks On Your Walls

Rats will move along the walls of your home because they have weak eyesight. They leave oil marks and smudges on the walls as they travel these courses.

Look for Rat Footprints

If you have a rat problem, examine a dusty, seldom-used corner of your house. Rats frequently leave foot and tail prints in the areas they visit. A great test to see if you have a rat infestation is to sprinkle a fine coating of baking soda on the floor and look for fresh rat footprints the following day.

Rat Damage

The final inspection step is to look for rat damage in your home. Rats leave a trail of destruction behind them. They may gnaw on furniture, storage containers, paper, and pet food and devour food left out on the counter. Getting rid of rat infestations is crucial as soon as you notice any of the signs listed above. Ideally, it's a good idea to learn how to get rid of rats before an issue arises.

How to Prevent Rats

Preventing rats is critical to maintaining a safe and sanitary home. The first step is to address any existing rats quickly, as it's easier to eliminate a few than a large infestation. Traps and poisons are effective but should be handled carefully, and dead rats must be promptly disposed of to avoid attracting more pests. Removing potential food sources by storing food in airtight containers and cleaning up spills immediately is also important. These preventative measures help keep your property free of rats.

Extra Rat Facts