Removing A Rat Infestation From Your House
Dealing with a rat infestation can be stressful, as rodents can cause damage to your home and pose health risks. Yet, by following the right steps, you can remove a rat infestation from your house. In this guide, we will provide you with a detailed plan to tackle the problem and regain control of your home.
Identify the Signs:
The first step to sorting out a rat infestation is to identify signs of their presence. Look out for droppings, gnaw marks in areas, urine stains, smudge marks along walls, and musty odors. Rats are nocturnal, so you may also notice scratching noises. These are heard within walls or ceilings during the night. Pinning down these signs will help you know the extent of the infestation and plan your strategy.
Seal Entry Points:
Rats can enter your home through even the tiniest openings, so sealing all entry points is essential. Inspect the exterior of your house, focusing on gaps in walls, vents, pipes, and utility lines. Use steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk to seal these openings. Pay extra attention to areas around doors and windows. Removing entry will stop rats from entering and help in trapping/removing the current ones.
Remove Attractants:
Rats are attracted to food and water sources. Keep your house clean and store food in sealed containers. Dispose of garbage in bins with secure lids. Clean up spills and avoid leaving pet food out overnight. Fix leaky pipes and faucets to remove water sources. Removing these attractants, will make your house less appealing to rats and discourage them.
Trapping:
Trapping is an effective method for eliminating rats. Use snap traps or live traps, depending on your preference and local regulations. Place traps in areas where rats are most active, such as along walls or near their entry points. Bait the traps with peanut butter, dried fruit, or bacon to entice the rats. Check the traps and dispose of captured rats according to local guidelines. Continue trapping until there are no more rats.
Exclusion Devices:
Exclusion devices, such as one-way doors or funnel traps, will allow rats to exit but prevent re-entry. These devices are very useful when rats are accessing your house through specific routes, such as burrows or crawl spaces. Once all rats have left, seal the entry points to prevent their return. Seek out professionals if you need help with installation or choosing the right exclusion device.
Using Rodenticides:
Rodenticides should be used, but they pose risks to humans, pets, and non-target animals. If you decide to use rodenticides, follow the instructions and place the bait in tamper-resistant bait stations. Keep these stations out of reach of children and pets. Track the bait stations and dispose of the dead rats. Always talk with pest control professionals to make sure safe and effective use of rodenticides.
Professional Pest Control:
If your infestation persists or if you're dealing with a large-scale rat problem, it is necessary to call professional pest control services. Experienced exterminators have the knowledge, tools, and expertise to handle severe infestations. They use a variety of methods, including trapping, baiting, and exclusion, to eradicate rats from your house. Professional help is especially crucial when dealing with hard-to-reach areas or sensitive environments.
Eliminating a rat infestation requires a methodical approach. It will combine identification, prevention, and removal strategies. By following the steps outlined above, you can address the issue and restore a rodent-free environment in your home.
Here at Emergency Clean UK, we tackle a variety of after-rodent cleans. Yet we are also experienced in prevention and extermination methods. If you are suffering from a rodent problem, please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you click the button below, you can start your journey on a rodent-free and sanitised home.