Dealing with rats in your home can be a real hassle, and we get it. That’s why, in this blog post, we’re going to share five quick and practical methods to kick those pesky rodents to the curb. No more sleepless nights or dealing with their mess because we’ve got you covered. So, if you want to enjoy a rat-free home again, keep reading to make it happen
Related Post: Roof Rats Vs Norway Rat: All You Need To Know
#1 Inspect And Seal Entry Points
Once you become aware that rodents have infested your home, you’ll want to immediately start inspecting your home for entry points. Rodents are very small and flexible, allowing them to find their way inside through even the smallest entry points. To outsmart these agile invaders, it’s crucial to do a meticulous inspection of both the interior and exterior of your home.
- Start the inspection by surveying the exterior of your home with a meticulous eye. Examine the foundation, walls, and roof.
- If possible, conduct the inspection during the day to take advantage of natural light
- Pay close attention to areas around pipes, and utility entrances.
- Carefully look at these vulnerable spots, since the overlooked areas are often spots where rodents get in.
Once you are aware of the entry points, it’s time to take action. Once you know how they’re getting in, it’s time to equip yourself with the appropriate materials for sealing them out, as this is one of the best ways to get rid of rats.
What You Can Do To Cover Entry Points?
Here is how you can get rid of rats by sealing entry points:
- Stuff steel wool into large gaps and crevices, making it challenging for rodents to gnaw through. You can also use copper mesh as an alternative. Sealing areas around pipes, vents, and HVAC’ is necessary.
- Apply caulk generously over smaller holes, ensuring a seamless seal. Your focus should be on creating a fortress that denies access to these opportunistic intruders.
#2 Declutter And Organize Your Interior
Rats thrive in cluttered environments, using the chaos for hiding and nesting. Take charge of the situation by transforming your living spaces into a clutter-free zone. Store food items in sealed containers, keeping storage areas tidy.
This not only eliminates potential hiding spots but also minimizes nesting opportunities, making your home significantly less attractive to these pests.
#2 Maintain a Clean Outdoor Environment
Now that we have covered the interior of your home, let us move on to how to get rid of rats outside. Like any resourceful creatures, rodents are drawn to the promise of food. Your outdoor space, though unintentional, can become quite an attractive place for these pests.
1. Secure Garbage Cans:
Rats have an uncanny ability to detect and exploit potential food sources. Start by securing your garbage cans with strong, tight-fitting lids. This simple yet effective measure prevents rats from rummaging through your trash, eliminating a significant attraction point.
2. Cleanup Fallen Fruits and Vegetables:
If you have a backyard or your home is surrounded by trees, this point is crucial. A fallen apple, leaves, or a few forgotten vegetables on the ground can become a feast for rats. Regularly inspect your outdoor spaces for fallen fruits or any food debris.
3. Eliminate Standing Water:
Be vigilant in eliminating standing water around your property. Check for clogged gutters or any containers that might collect rainwater. By removing this water source, you not only deter rats but also mitigate other potential pest issues.
4. Trim Overgrown Vegetation:
Overgrown vegetation provides convenient hiding spots and shelter for rats. Trim back bushes, shrubs, and tall grass, especially those close to your home. Overhanging tree branches also allow for easy access to your roof and home, so always ensure they’re trimmed back.
#3 Use Effective Trapping Strategies
When it comes to eradicating common household rats, employing effective trapping strategies is key. Traps serve as a reliable and time-tested method, and choosing the right type can significantly impact the efficiency of your rat removal efforts.
Snap Traps:
Snap traps are classic, spring-loaded devices that you might have seen in vintage movies and many popular cartoons. These are designed for the quick elimination of common household rats. With a trigger mechanism that swiftly closes the trap when activated by a rat’s movement, it’s a no-nonsense approach.
Glue Traps
Glue traps, in contrast, utilize adhesive surfaces to capture rats. When a rat steps onto the sticky surface, it becomes firmly stuck, preventing any escape. While effective, know that glue traps can get messy.
You can place them strategically along walls, near entry points, or in areas with frequent rat activity.
Live Traps
For those seeking a more humane approach, live traps provide a catch-and-release solution. These traps allow you to capture rats without causing harm and release them in a remote location far from your home. Live traps are an excellent option if you prefer a more compassionate method of dealing with your rat infestation.
#4 Use Natural Rodent-Repellent
Another effective technique to get rid of rats is by using more natural substances. Apart from being quite effective, it is also an eco-friendly strategy. It’s a time-tested method that not only repels rats, but does so without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Peppermint Oil:
The invigorating smell of peppermint oil is disliked by rodents and therefore creates a barrier against rats with its strong aroma. Since the smell can be quite strong, all you need to do is soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and strategically place them in areas where you’ve noticed the rats.
Vinegar:
Vinegar not only enhances our food but is also a strong rat repellent. This versatile defender disrupts rats’ olfactory senses. Make a solution of water and vinegar and spray it near the nooks and crannies of vulnerable areas.
These are just a few ideas, but to learn more, visit our blog post on the best natural rodent repellents for getting rid of these pests.
Best Rodent Control Services In Mississippi
Eliminating common household mice and rats demands a proactive and comprehensive approach. From sealing entry points to employing effective traps and repellents, these techniques create a robust strategy for regaining control of your living space.
However, if frequent infestations keep occurring, or you don’t want to get rid of the rats yourself, then look no further than the team of Jamison Pest and Lawn. We are the best rodent and pest control company serving the Mississippi area.
We’ve got you covered when it comes to handling any type of pest, so give us a call today at (901) 452-1505 and find out how we can help you.
