Rats are one of the common pests that can infest both the outside and inside of the house. They are not only a nuisance but can also cause significant damage to your property as well as pose a threat to your health and safety. It is imperative to deal with rats promptly as they multiply quickly and may take over your home within a short period. If you are facing rat infestation, you should take immediate action to eliminate them from your premises. In this comprehensive guide, we will tell you about some important tips and tricks to get rid of rats in your house.

To eliminate rats, we first need to understand their behavior and tendencies. Rats are highly intelligent and adaptable. Their careful, curious, and deceitful nature makes it challenging to get rid of them. Rats are more active at night which is why it is difficult to spot them during the daytime. They can eat just about everything and can rarely go hungry. They are known for their ability to reproduce rapidly. Rats live in large groups or colonies. They are also very social creatures.

Now that you understand the nature and behavior of the rats, let us move to the steps that you can take to get rid of them.

1. Inspect Your Home Thoroughly

To eliminate rat infestation from your home, you must first conduct a thorough inspection of your home. Examine the exterior of your home to find the entry points of the rats. Look for any holes or cracks in the door. Check the appliance lines and other possible entry points in the house. Once you identify the entry points, you can easily plan for rat-proofing in the house. Some signs of rat infestation in your home are:

Rat Droppings

Rat droppings are a common sign of rat infestation in your house. They are small, dark, and pallet-shaped and are found in the areas where rats are more active.

Gnaw Marks

Rats have powerful teeth and are capable of gnawing your furniture, plastic, wood, and metal.

Scratching Noise

Rats are noisy and their behavior can disrupt your sleep in the night.

Footprints

Rats can leave behind footprints, especially in dusty areas or basements. This is a clear indicator of rat infestation in your area.

Grease Mark

Rats have oily fur and as they travel along the walls, they leave behind grease and smudge marks.

Nests

If you see nests build up of shredded paper and cloth then it is a sign of red infestation. These nests can be found in dark and secluded places.

Bad Odor

Rats have a musky odor as they produce a lot of urine which can accumulate in enclosed spaces.

2. Seal Cracks and Crevices

Rats can enter your home through cracks and holes as small as your thumb size. It is important to seal any cracks and crevices on your house’s walls. Seal them with caulk, cement, steel wool, and hardware cloth.

3. Clean Your Home

Rats are attracted to places that are dirty and have lots of clutter. Remove clutter from your home and move stuff away from walls. Store the food in closed containers and make sure that your garbage bin is covered with the lid. Keep the drains and pipes properly and wipe off the gas pipes and surfaces to remove any food particles. Maintain your yard, and remove all the junk and debris so that rats do not make their way to your home.

4. Remove Food Sources

One of the effective methods of controlling the rat population is removing food sources. Rats can eat literally everything from human food to pet food, bird food, seeds, and garbage. Make sure to store your food in airtight containers. Keep the pet food in secure boxes. Once a rat gets inside, it will make a home close to its food source. Keep the bags of flour and rice closed and check for regular inspection.

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5. Set Rat Traps

Setting rat traps is one of the easiest and safest methods to eliminate rats. It kills them quickly and economically. There are various types of traps available in the market.

Live Traps

If you prefer to catch the rats and release them, you should opt for live traps. Make sure to check them regularly and let the rats out at least one mile away from your house.

Glue Traps

In areas where rats are more, use glue traps. Be prepared to deal with live rats humanely that are caught in glue traps.

Electronic Traps

Electronic rat traps work on both rats and mice and kill them quickly and humanely. It is also convenient for the disposal of the remains.

Snap Traps

A snap trap is a wooden, metal, or plastic trap baited with peanut butter or dried fruits. Place them where you see rat activity. Once the rats get trapped, dispose of them quickly.

6. Use Rat Poisons

Rat poison known as rodenticides is also effective in eliminating them. Be cautious about using it. Purchase a rodenticide used for indoor purposes and read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly. Place them in secure bait stations. Keep the bait stations in areas where you see rat activity. Make sure that your children and pet cannot reach the bait stations. Monitor them regularly and replace them if needed. Be prepared for the rats dying in hidden places as they can create unpleasant smells and attract flies.

7. Hire a Professional Pest Control Company

If you are unable to get rid of rats yourself, you can hire a pest control in Ghaziabad to help you get rid of them. They have the expertise and tools to eliminate rats effectively. They will seal all the potential entry points of rats in your premises. They can provide you with long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.

Conclusion

Getting rid of rats is a challenging task but with the right approach and tips, you can effectively remove rats from your house and prevent them from returning. Remember to follow the above tips to eliminate rats from your house.