Have a Rat Infestation? Here's What to Do

First, you hear scurrying in the attic. Second, you discover stains on the walls. Third, you spot pellets and paw prints. Fourth, you find a tail hurrying under the refrigerator. There are unwanted guests in the house. It’s a rat infestation!

Don’t know what to do? No need to panic, here are some measures to get rid of those pesky rodents.

Seal gaps

Rats can enter homes through either damaged drains or holes in the house. Do not underestimate these creatures. Rats can squeeze their way inside drain pipes or gnaw tiny holes into large tunnels.

To seal holes, consider using wire wool, caulk, metal kick plates, or cement. Meanwhile, make sure to have your drainage system checked in case of any damaged drains.

Prevent rats from climbing 

Rats are excellent climbers. If they can’t find a gap inside your home, they can still climb tree branches until they reach the roof.

To resolve this, make sure to trim any tree branches that may touch your house. Trim the branches about four feet and remove any vines. Finally, consider installing tree guards (i.e. plastic or metal cones) to discourage pests from trying to climb.

Dispose and declutter

Rodents resort to clutter as a potential nesting place. To prevent this, minimize clutter and make sure all furniture or objects are spaced away from the walls. If you can look behind an object, chances are a rat won’t hide nearby.

Meanwhile, dispose of your garbage regularly. To rodents, open garbage cans are great vacancies for food and shelter. By cleaning up and disposing of any wastes, it’ll discourage rats from invading your space.

Get rid of food sources

Kitchens are by far the most attractive areas for rat infestations. To prevent this, practice proper food storage. Keep all your food stored in thick containers, and make sure the containers come with airtight lids.

All foods must be stored in areas that are inaccessible to rodents; therefore, make sure your food isn’t out in the open. The same applies to pet food. Store your pet food in a proper storage compartment and do not leave any water bowls out overnight; doing the opposite would only offer the rats sustenance. If you happen to have a bird feeder, make sure to keep it away from the house and use a squirrel guard to repel potential rodents.

Finally, make sure to keep up with hygiene; clean up spilled-foods or crumbs and wash all used cooking utensils as soon as possible.

Know who to contact

Finally, if you have a rat infestation or are looking to prevent one, make sure to know who to contact. Some states have strict legislations that dictates what bait, traps, or processes are allowed to be used. Professionals such as pest controllers and external contractors are the best contacts to have. These professionals are well up-to-date with both pest control measures and legislation. As professionals, their job is to answer your questions and provide solutions.