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Pest Control & Rats

Methods of controlling rat populations include preventing their access to food, water, and shelter, trapping and poisoning. Although homeowners can implement certain measures, they may prefer to hire a professional exterminator.

  1. Preventing Access to Food

    • Store food in rat-proof areas or containers with tight lids or seals. Feed pets indoors and remove their droppings. Don't leave garbage outside overnight, and don't let garden produce rot.

    Preventing Access to Shelter

    • Keep rats out of buildings by sealing holes, cracks and openings around pipes and cables with mesh, flashing, mortar or patching. Remove thick vegetation and wood piles near buildings. Remove vines and trim branches that rats can use to reach the roof.

    Trapping

    • Different types of traps include snap traps and electronic traps, which kill rats instantly. Glue boards and live traps require you to kill the rats or release them.

    Bait

    • Bait traps with food such as peanut butter and bacon. Check traps daily. Wear gloves to remove dead rats.

    Poison

    • Poison bait such as warfarin and difethialone can kill other animals. If you use poison, put it in appropriately registered bait boxes and secure them to prevent other animals from removing the bait.

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