Rats are common pests that infest our homes, offices, and shops. They not only contaminate our food but also damage our property and pose a serious threat to our health as well. They are incredibly destructive, chewing through walls, insulations, and electrical wiring. It is imperative to get rid of rat infestation before it becomes a severe infestation. In this article, we will explore various tips and tricks to eliminate rats in the house.
1. Inspect for Signs of Rat Infestation
Before delving into rat control methods, first understand the signs of rats in the house. Conduct a thorough inspection of your house to see signs of rats’ presence. Rat droppings, gnaw marks, scratching noises, and footprints are clear signs that rats are present in the house. Other than this, bad odor, particularly of a dead rat, grease marks, and nests in your house also indicate rat activity in the house. If you see any such signs in the house, take prompt action to remove them.
2. Maintain Cleanliness
It is crucial to maintain cleanliness in the house to get rid of rats. Rats are attracted to food and water sources. Wipe off the kitchen counters and surfaces after using them. Remove spills and food particles scattered on the floor. Sweep and mop the floor regularly. Use bins that have tight lids on them. Dispose of the garbage daily, and clean the garbage bins at frequent intervals. Declutter your home, and do not allow standing water in and around your house. Do not keep dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Trim tall grass and weeds near your home and in the outdoors so that rats do not use them as bridges to enter your home.
3. Remove Food Sources
Rats are mostly found in the areas where they get readily available food. Pay attention to the kitchen and dining areas of the house. Store food in air-tight containers. Do not keep fruits in the open. Store them in the refrigerator. Store pet foods in containers, and clean the appliances like the stove and microwave thoroughly after using them. Keep the bags of flour and rice closed and inspect them regularly to see bite marks or holes on them.
4. Seal Entry Points
Rats can enter your home through holes, gaps, and beneath the doors. Seal them with cement and caulk. Inspect places where utility lines run through. Use steel wool or mesh to fill small cracks and crevices. Install tight screens on windows and doors. Repair any holes and gaps in them. Use weather stripping beneath the doors so that rats cannot enter through them. Make sure that rats do not enter through vents. Inspect your home once a year to find new access points.
5. Set Rat Traps
There are different types of rat traps available in the market. Live traps, glue traps, electronic traps, and snap traps are some of the traps effective for catching rats in the house. Glue traps use sticky chemicals so that rats get stuck to them once they crawl over them. If you want to catch live rats, you can set live traps in the house. Make sure to check the traps regularly and release the rat far away from your house. Snap traps are traps baited with food material to lure rats. Once the rat is trapped, you can dispose of them easily. Another type of trap are electronic trap that can effectively and quickly kill rats.
6. Use Rat Poison
Rat poisons, also known as rodenticides, are effective in eliminating rats. You can purchase rat poison used indoors from the market. Place the rat poison strategically in areas where rats are likely to hide. Read the instructions carefully, and keep them out of the reach of children and pets. Rats will die after consuming the poison. Be prepared to deal with rats dying in the hidden places, causing unpleasant smells that can also attract flies and ants.
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7. Get a Cat
Keeping a cat in your home will not only prevent rat infestation but will also keep your home safe from rats in the future. We all know that cats and rats are sworn enemies. Though all cats are helpful in repelling rats, grown-up cats are typically the best hunters both inside and outside the house.
8. Hire a Pest Control Professional
If you are dealing with a severe rat infestation in the house, you must seek professional assistance. Pest control professionals are experienced and have the expertise in eliminating rats, rodents, and mice from any property. They will implement the best method to remove pests from your home and also suggest preventive measures to stop future infestations. Pest control services are effective inside the home but also help you manage rat populations outside the home.
Wrapping Up
It may seem to be challenging to eliminate rat infestations. keeping the right approach and implementing methods outlined in this article, you can easily get rid of rats in the house. For severe infestations, we recommend hiring a professional pest control in Kolkata. They will not only remove the existing infestation but will also provide long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.
