Feed pets indoors if possible, and remove uneaten food promptly.
Store pet food in sealed containers and avoid leaving water bowls outside overnight.
3. Seal Entry Points
Inspect the Perimeter
Check for gaps around doors, windows, and utility pipes. Even a hole the size of a quarter can be a rat entryway.
Look for loose siding, damaged vents, or cracks in the foundation.
Use the Right Materials
Fill small holes (¼ inch to ½ inch) with steel wool or copper mesh, then seal with caulk or expanding foam.
Cover larger openings with hardware cloth (a type of wire mesh) and secure it with screws or staples.
Maintain Doors and Windows
Install door sweeps at the base of exterior doors.
Repair or replace torn screens on windows and vents.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Roof rats often enter through overhanging tree branches. Keep foliage at least 3 feet away from walls or roofs.
4. Trap and Remove Rats
Types of Traps
Snap Traps: Fast and effective. Bait them with peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit.
Live-Catch Traps: Humane option if you plan to release rats elsewhere—but check local regulations.
Electronic Traps: Deliver a quick, fatal shock to rats. Usually require batteries and are easy to clean.
Trap Placement
Position traps along walls and in areas where you’ve noticed droppings or gnaw marks.
Use multiple traps for a faster impact. Rats are cautious, so place traps where they typically run (dark corners, behind appliances, near food sources).
Proper Disposal
Check traps daily. Wear gloves when handling dead rats or cleaning traps to avoid disease transmission.
Seal dead rats in plastic bags and dispose of them in an outdoor trash bin.
5. Consider Rodenticides Carefully
Use with Caution
Poison baits (rodenticides) can be effective but also pose risks to pets, wildlife, and even children if misused.
Rats may die in hidden spots, causing odors and making retrieval difficult.
Follow Regulations
continued on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
