So how do you exterminate rats? In order to eliminate rats, we must out think them and play to their senses & survival needs. Rat control is similar to controlling mice, except more disciplined. Rats are smarter than mice. We have to lure them to be curious like mice.
Rat Control Step 1: Clean-Up
If rats are inside a residential home or commercial structure… They are there for a reason, usually due to cluttered or messy areas allowing them the perfect environment to create harborage. Take away their hiding spots by tidying up and removing any excessive storage areas.
Rat Control Step 2: Remove Food Source
Get rid of all food which is not in the refrigerator. Take all pantry food, dog food, breads, chips, cereals, etc. and put them in a strong Rubbermaid container. Do not allow trash to build up inside the house overnight. Ensure exterior garbage cans are closed shut.
Rat Control Step 3: Selecting Correct Treatment Method
How do we catch rats? Glue boards are not the answer to remove rats. Ultrasonic rodent repeller’s or plug-in devices will not make them pack their bags and run out. What about poison? Do not use poison inside a structure for rat control unless it is a “last resort”. Poison will kill rats. However, the location of their demise may not be reachable for removal. No one wants to smell a large decomposing rat behind a wall in their home.
What is the answer to control rats inside a home? Snap-Traps is the best method to exterminate rats. We removed the rat attraction in step 1 & 2 which now makes food scarce. Rats will usually become a bit more curious and take more risks when there is no more food. Now we proceed with snap traps to eliminate them.
Rat Control Step 4: Snap Trap Strategy
Select a professional grade rat trap. Do not use a mouse trap in attempting to catch rats. Mouse traps are too small and will usually only injure rats. If you need a great trap, you could purchase these on amazon https://amzn.to/2VNgAp3 (We are not an affiliate).
Rat traps are very strong & capable on injuring children, pets and adults! Keep small children & pets away from traps. Its best to place traps completely out of reach of children and pets, incase their curiosity is provoked.
Place snap-traps in high activity areas. How many snap traps should I use? It’s always better to have more fire-power, than not enough. Overestimate the number of rats you think are inside the dwelling. Here are the directions for trap placement.
- Bait ½ the traps with peanut butter & ½ with “Slim-Jims” (beef snack) Do not activate traps yet!
- Place traps in high activity areas. The jaws of the snap trap should be facing the wall & as close to the perimeter of wall as possible
- Let baited traps sit for 24-48 hours and do not set them. Counterintuitive to normal thinking… Rats can be much more shy than mice when relating to snap-traps.
- Inspect snap traps and see which bait they consumed.
- Rebait snap traps with their favored food source from step 4. Now, activate traps & exterminate them!
- Check traps every day and dispose of rats. Re-bait & activate the same traps. Do this every day until no rats are trapped for a few days.
Rat Control Step 5: Close Entry Points
Inspect the exterior structure for possible entry points. If you want more information on what to look for when inspecting your home, check out our article https://antpestcontrol.com/attic-mice/. When inspecting, know that rats can weezel their way into a crack, crevice or gap about the diameter of a quarter. Document your findings of all possible entry points and seal them up. It is recommended to seal up after the rats are eliminated. Sealing up when rats are still present in your home can cause more damage. The damage is caused when rats try to go back outside. If we lock them inside the structure by sealing up, they will fight & destroy to get out.
A.N.T. Pest Control is a licensed, certified and insured company. We serve New Lenox, Manhattan, Joliet, Frankfort, Mokena, Tinley Park, Orland Park and the surrounding suburbs.
