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Effective Rat Control Methods

Rats pose a significant health risk to humans. They chew through walls, leave droppings and are a general nuisance. Controlling them can be a challenge. They reproduce monthly. A single rat can produce 120 or more offspring per year. Rats are smart, and traps alone may not be enough.

  1. Prevention/Solution

    • Keep debris and wood piles away from the home. Grass should be mowed to within one-half inch in height. Remove all bird feeders and standing water.

    Spring Traps

    • Spring traps are somewhat effective against rats. A bar snaps down and breaks the animal's neck. Be advised, however, that rats will sometimes chew themselves free.

    Electronic Traps

    • Electronic traps work by electrocution. Most styles operate on two to four AA batteries.

    Glue Boards

    • These work similar to fly paper. A board is coated with sticky glue. Rats climb on it and get stuck.

    Poisons

    • Poisons are very effective in controlling rats. Anticoagulants are very popular.

    Repellents

    • Rat repellents come in many forms. Mothballs are the most common.

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