Discovering rodents in your home, particularly rats, can be
an overwhelming and distressing experience. They can chew through electrical
wires, damage your furniture, and carry diseases that can affect you and your
family. You need to take immediate action before they cause more damage and
spread their infestation. This post will provide you with helpful tips on what
to do when you find rats in your home. Let's get started!
Identify the Source of the Problem
Before you take any action, it's crucial to identify the
source of the situation. Look for signs of rat infestation such as droppings,
chew marks, and unusual noises at night. Check your attic, crawl spaces, and
any areas that may provide food and water that rats need. Once you've
identified the source of the problem, you can proceed to the next step.
Apart from the common areas mentioned above, it's important
to also check other places where rats may hide or find food. This includes your
kitchen pantry, cabinets, and even behind appliances. Rats are known to be
excellent climbers and can easily access these areas through small gaps and
holes in your walls or floors. It's also important to check outdoor spaces such
as sheds, garages, and basements. These areas can also provide shelter and food
for rats, making them potential hotspots for infestation, so keep your eyes
open.
Seal Up Any Entry Points
Rodents can enter your home through small cracks and
crevices in your walls, doors, windows, and foundation. Seal up any potential
entry points using steel wool and expanding foam. Don't forget to make sure
that your doors and windows are adequately sealed. Rats can squeeze through
gaps as small as a quarter, so it's crucial to seal even the tiniest holes.
If you're having trouble sealing up all the entry points,
it's best to seek professional help. Hiring a rodent control
service can save you time and effort in finding and sealing every potential
entry point. They have the necessary tools and expertise to thoroughly inspect
your home and seal any gaps or holes that may be overlooked. Additionally, they
can also provide long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.
Remove Their Food Sources
Just like any other animal, rats require food and water to
survive. Remove any potential food sources by ensuring your trash cans have
tight lids and not leaving any food out on counters. Store food in airtight
containers, including pet food. Additionally, repair any leaks as soon as
possible and make sure there's no standing water throughout your home or
garage.
Some common foods that rats are attracted to include grains,
fruits, and vegetables. They are also drawn to sugary foods like chocolate and
dried fruit. Pet food is another big attractant for rats, so be sure to store
it in a sealed container and not leave any leftovers out overnight. Rats have a
keen sense of smell and will even go after food scraps left in your garbage
disposal or sink, so cleaning up after yourself is just as important as sealing
up entry points.
Use Traps and Baits
Snap traps and baits are the most effective ways of getting
rid of rats. Place the traps in areas where you have seen rat activity,
preferably near the walls and corners of the room. Use gloves when handling the
trap and dispose of it immediately once you've caught the rat. Baits are also
an option, but you must follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming
other pets or children. Always use tamper-resistant bait stations in areas
where children or pets may access them.
You can find traps and baits at your local hardware store or
online. There are various types of traps available, including traditional snap
traps, electronic traps, and humane live-capture traps. Make sure to choose the
trap that best fits your needs and is appropriate for the size of rats in your
area.
If you're not comfortable handling traps or bait yourself,
you can always hire a professional pest control service to assist you in
setting them up and disposing of caught rats. They will also have access to
more potent baits and traps that may not be available for purchase by the
general public.
Keep Kids and Pets Safe
When dealing with rats in your home, it's important to also
consider the safety of your children and pets. Rats can carry diseases that can
be harmful to humans and animals, so it's crucial to take precautions to keep
them safe.
Make sure to use child-proof locks on bait stations and
always supervise children and pets when they are in areas where traps or baits
have been set up. It's also important to regularly check and dispose of any
trapped rats to prevent accidental exposure to children or pets.
To keep your pets safe and away from rats, make sure to
store all pet food in sealed containers. Also, regularly clean up any leftovers
or spills from their bowls. If possible, feed your pets inside rather than
leaving food outside where it can attract rats.
If All Else Fails, Call a Professional
If you've tried all of the above steps and you still have a
rat infestation, it's time to call a professional exterminator. They have the
knowledge, tools, and experience to get rid of rats effectively. They'll also
provide you with helpful tips to keep your home rat-free in the future.
When looking for a professional, it's important to do your
research and find a reputable and experienced company. Ask for recommendations
from friends and family, read online reviews and ratings, and make sure they
are licensed and insured. It's also essential to get multiple quotes and
compare prices before making a decision.
Additionally, ask about their methods and treatments to
ensure they align with your preferences. A great professional exterminator will
also provide a warranty or guarantee for their services, giving you peace of
mind knowing that they stand behind their work.
What Not to Do
It's crucial to note that there are certain things you
should avoid doing when dealing with a rat infestation. First and foremost, do
not attempt to handle or remove rats yourself if you're not familiar with
handling them. Rats can carry diseases and can bite if they feel threatened, so
it's best to leave it to professionals.
Using poison as a method of control should be avoided if
possible. Poison can pose a significant risk to children and pets, and rats may
die in hard-to-reach areas, leaving behind a foul odor. It's also important not
to use ultrasonic devices or other unproven methods as they have not been
proven effective in getting rid of rats. It's always best to stick with
tried-and-tested methods and seek professional help when needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When dealing with a rat infestation, it's important to avoid
common mistakes that may worsen the situation. One of the most common mistakes
people make is not taking immediate action when they discover rats in their
home. Rats reproduce quickly and can lead to a larger infestation if not dealt
with promptly.
Another mistake is only addressing one aspect of the
problem, such as setting traps without sealing entry points. This can result in
a continuous cycle of trapping rats without addressing the root cause of the
infestation. It's also essential to avoid using materials or methods that are
not safe or approved for use against rodents, as this can pose a risk to your
health and safety.
How to Deal With the Aftermath
After successfully getting rid of rats in your home, it's
important to address the aftermath. This includes thoroughly cleaning and
disinfecting areas where rats were present to get rid of any remaining bacteria
or diseases they may have carried. Additionally, repairing any damage caused by
the infestation, such as chewed wires or furniture, is crucial to prevent
future problems.
It's also important to continue taking preventive measures,
such as sealing entry points and removing potential food sources, to avoid a
re-infestation. Remember to also monitor for any signs of rats in the future
and take prompt action if you suspect another infestation. By following these
steps and being proactive, you can effectively deal with rats in your home and
prevent them from returning, but the key is to keep things consistent.
Rat infestations are not only stressful but also pose a
significant threat to your family's health and well-being. By identifying the
source of the problem, sealing up entry points, removing food sources, using
traps and baits, and calling a professional exterminator, you can eliminate
rats from your home and prevent future infestations. With a little patience,
effort, and determination, you can get rid of rats and enjoy a pest-free home.