As a homeowner, the last thing you want to deal with is an infestation of any kind. A rat infestation can be particularly upsetting, as these pests are dirty, carry disease, and can be difficult to get rid of once they invade your home.
If you are currently dealing with a rat infestation in Northeast Pennsylvania, here is our step-by-step guide to get rid of them once and for all.
1. Identify Signs of a Rat Infestation
First, you need to identify whether or not you are dealing with rats or some other kind of rodent. While rats tend to dwell outdoors, they have been known to make their way inside occasionally.
There are several telltale signs of a rat infestation to keep an eye out for, including:
- Rat droppings in the house
- Finding rat nests
- Gnaw marks on walls and floors
- Strange or foul odors
- Scratching or scurrying noises coming from inside the walls
Of course, these could be signs of a mouse. To tell the difference between a rat and mouse, it’s keen to note that rats are heavier in size and larger in shape, measuring anywhere from 12-18 inches in length.
2. Determine the Type of Rat Problem
If you suspect you are dealing with a rat infestation, the next step is to determine the type of problem and how severe the infestation is. One key way to determine what type of rat you’re dealing with is by looking at the size and location of the rat droppings in your home.
Larger droppings may indicate that a larger rat species, such as the Norway rat, has invaded your home, while smaller droppings may mean you are dealing with roof rats. You will also want to check certain areas of your home for rat nests, such as your attic, basement, kitchen, and wall voids.
At this stage, we typically recommend performing a rodent inspection using a local, trusted professional to determine the size and severity of the infestation.
3. Seal Entry Points
Sealing any possible entry points in your home is crucial to getting rid of rats and preventing more from coming in. To do this, you will want to inspect your home for any cracks and crevices they may use to gain access to your space. You can seal these entry points with caulk, steel wool, or waterproof sealant, and be sure to weatherstrip your doors and windows for an extra layer of protection.
4. Remove Food and Water Sources
Rats are typically searching for food and water when they enter a home, so removing these things can make your home less appealing. Be sure to properly store your food and beverages in sealed containers, and sweep up any crumbs or fallen food after using the kitchen. It is also a good idea to fix any leaking faucets or pipes in your home, as rats will often use these things as water sources.
5. Declutter and Tidy Up
Cleaning and decluttering your home is imperative to getting rid of rats and preventing them from returning. This applies to both the inside and outside of your home, so be sure to maintain the grass and foliage surrounding your home in addition to keeping the inside of your house tidy.
6. Set Traps and Baits
Traps and baits can be effective in killing the rats in your home, but keep in mind that it is important to be extremely cautious when setting them up. Rat poison is very harmful not only to humans but also to pets, so you will want to make sure you’re setting up traps where your children or pets can’t reach them.
7. Consider Natural Deterrents
It is said that rats hate the smell of peppermint, ammonia, eucalyptus, and lavender, among many other scents. These scents can be used in essential oil form as an all-natural way to deter rats from entering your home.
8. Use Rodenticides Carefully
Some homeowners prefer to take matters into their own hands and use powerful rodenticides to get rid of rats. However, it is imperative that you carefully read the instructions for whatever rodenticide you choose to use to ensure you apply it correctly.
9. Employ Professional Pest Control Services
Whenever you are dealing with an infestation of any kind, it is always in your best interest to enlist the help of a pest control professional. Rats can be extremely difficult to get rid of, so you’ll want a professional exterminator’s expertise to ensure the problem is dealt with safely and effectively. The Pest Rangers’ residential pest control programs even feature ongoing maintenance measures designed to prevent rats, mice, and dozens of species of pests from ever making their way into your home.
10. Maintain Preventive Measures
Once the rats in your home have been exterminated, you will want to make sure that they don’t return in the future. To keep rats far away from your home, be sure to properly seal and store all food and beverages, clean your house regularly, and maintain your lawn and any foliage outside of your home.
FAQs
What is the best way to prevent rats from entering a home?
There are several things you can do to prevent a rat infestation, including properly sealing and storing all food and beverages, keeping your home clean and free of clutter, and maintaining the grass and foliage outside of your home.
Are there any natural or humane methods to get rid of rats?
Live rat traps can be used as a more humane way to get rid of the rats in your home. Rats are also said to dislike the scent of certain essential oils, so using these scents in your home to get rid of rats could be worth a try.
How long does it typically take to eliminate a rat infestation?
It will typically take around three weeks for a minor rat infestation to get rid of the rats in your home. However, larger infestations may take several months to resolve.