Rats don’t just make a mess—they destroy wiring, contaminate food, and carry diseases. If left unchecked, a small problem can turn into a full-blown infestation. These rodents multiply quickly, and getting rid of them becomes much harder once they settle in.
Acting promptly makes all the difference. Rats adapt quickly to their surroundings, finding hidden spaces to nest and easy food sources to keep them thriving. The longer they go unnoticed, the more damage they can cause.
Beyond property damage, rats also pose serious health risks. They spread bacteria, trigger allergies, and contaminate surfaces with urine and droppings. In some cases, they even bring fleas and mites into the home. This blog addresses how to get rid of rat infestations, helping homeowners identify and understand the issue.
Common Rat Species
Two types of rats are most likely to invade your home:
- Norway rats
- Roof rats
Norway rats usually stay close to the ground. They burrow in basements, under decks, or near foundations. These rats are bigger and stockier, making them less agile than Roof rats.
On the other hand, Roof rats are excellent climbers. They prefer nesting in higher, warmer spaces like attics and upper cabinets. Unlike Norway rats, Roof rats seek out high spots for shelter. Both types tend to avoid humans and are most active at night. If they move in, they can cause damage and contamination.
Signs of Rats in Your Home & Yard
Rats aren’t exactly great at staying hidden for long. Droppings are usually one of the first signs you’ll spot. These small, dark pellets often appear near food sources, cabinets, or baseboards. You might also notice gnaw marks on wires, furniture, and food packaging. Rodents continuously gnaw to prevent their teeth from becoming too long, so these marks are a clear signal of their presence.
If you hear scratching in the walls or ceilings at night, that’s another red flag. You may even see greasy smudges along walls where rats run. Besides these, a musty odor can indicate an infestation.
If you find nests made from shredded paper or insulation in hidden corners, that’s a sign rats are nesting nearby. In your yard, burrows near foundations or under decks may indicate they’ve also made a home outside. Spotting these signs early helps you take prompt action and figure out how to get rid of rats in the house before the situation worsens.
How to Get Rid of Rats in Your House and Yard
Rats are sneaky, but you don’t have to live with them. They can scurry along the walls, gnaw on wires, or leave droppings in your kitchen. If you are wondering what makes rats go away, we will discuss it in this section.
Without further ado, let’s look at some effective methods on how to get rid of rats in the house fast:
1. Traps
Traps are one of the easiest ways of getting rid of rat problems. They let you control where and how you catch them, reducing the chance of dead rats in hard-to-reach places. There are various kinds of traps available, such as:
- Snap Traps: These kinds of traps work fast and kill rats instantly. You can place them along walls or in areas where you’ve noticed droppings or bite marks. Bait them with peanut butter, nuts, or dried fruit to increase your chances of catching them.
- Electric Traps: These traps give a high-voltage shock that kills rats instantly. They’re great if you don’t want to touch the rat afterward, as you can easily dispose of them.
- Live Traps: Live traps allow you to catch and release rats, but they come with a challenge. The rats can find their way back if you don’t release them far enough.
2. Bait Stations & Poison
Poison is effective, but it’s not always the best option. If you have pets or small kids, using it can present more of a risk. However, using poison in bait stations can provide a safe alternative, as only rats can access it. They work well for larger infestations but take time to work.
It is important to know that poisoned rats don’t die immediately. They often crawl into walls or hidden spaces before dying. This can cause horrible smells, and if your pet eats a poisoned rat, they could get sick.
3. Natural & DIY Rat Repellents
Not everyone wants to use traps or poison. Remedies for how to get rid of rats naturally can help keep rats away in the long run. However, this is not an ideal method for a full-blown infestation. Popular DIY methods include:
- Peppermint Oil and Ammonia: Rats hate strong smells. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near entry points. Ammonia, which smells like predator urine, may also keep them from nesting. Here’s an added bonus: peppermint oil also works for mice.
- Cayenne Pepper, Garlic, and Vinegar Sprays: A mix of cayenne, garlic, or vinegar in water can irritate rats’ noses and make them run away. Spraying these around entry points and rat-prone areas is another natural way to repel rats.
- Ultrasonic Repellents: Some people swear by ultrasonic devices. However, rats may get used to the noise over time, so they aren’t always a reliable fix.
4. Professional Pest Control
Some infestations are too big to handle alone. If you still see rats despite setting traps and sealing entry points, it’s time to call an expert. Pest control services don’t just get rid of rats—they find out how they’re getting in and seal those gaps for good. Professional pest control experts like Preventive Pest Control in Southern California use a mix of trapping, baiting, and exclusion methods that work long-term. While professional rodent control may cost more than DIY methods, it can save money and time by preventing future infestations.
How to Prevent Rat Infestations Long-Term
Getting rid of rats is only half the battle. Without the right preventive measures in place, they can return and create the same problems again. Taking the following proactive steps keeps them from settling near your home again:
1. Home Maintenance & Regular Inspections
Small openings in walls, doors, and vents provide easy access for rats to get in. Conduct seasonal checks to identify gaps before they become an issue. Seal cracks, repair damaged screens, and cover vents with mesh to reduce the chances of an infestation. Also, pay attention to your storage areas, as stacked boxes and clutter create hiding spots for rodents.
2. Landscape the Right Way
Outdoor conditions often attract rodents. Keep your grass trimmed to remove potential hiding spots. Clear woodpiles and dense vegetation near the house to eliminate their shelter options. Compost piles should be well-maintained, as food scraps can lure rats. Properly seal your bins and turn compost regularly to keep the rats away.
3. Ongoing Monitoring & Early Detection
By noticing early signs of rat activity and taking action promptly, one can prevent a major rodent issue. Install motion-sensor traps to detect their presence before they multiply. Pets often notice rat activity before humans do, so watch their behavior.
Rats don’t always live outside, they can also infest the area around the main house – like the garage, porch or driveways. If you’re wondering how to get rid of rats scurrying outside your house, making the space uninviting to them is the smartest strategy. Addressing shelter, fixing open gutters and broken floor patches, and sealing other entry points can keep them away.
Keep Rats Away for Good With Preventive Pest Control
Getting rid of rats takes the right approach. Traps, baits, and natural repellents can help with smaller issues, but for larger infestations, professional help is often the smartest choice. Whether you need pest control in Orange County or pest control in the Inland Empire, Preventive Pest Control offers effective, long-term solutions.
Once the rats are gone, keeping them out is just as important—sealing entry points, eliminating food sources, and maintaining a clean home and yard all help prevent future infestations. To help you, our team will educate you on how to keep the rats away from your home in the long run.
Now is the perfect time to inspect your home and yard for signs of rats. Contact Preventive Pest Control for expert rodent solutions tailored to your space.