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How To Get Rid of Rats in Your Home

If you have rats, you need to act fast to exterminate them and secure your home. These pests are not only dangerous to your home and your health; they can also spread extremely quickly, making infestations even more difficult to get rid of the longer they go on.

How To Get Rid Of Rats in Georgia - Active Pest Control

Signs of a Rat Infestation

Discovering signs of a rat infestation in your home can be alarming, but identifying the warning signals early is crucial for effective rodent pest control. In Georgia, you’re most likely to encounter Norway rats and roof rats – both of which are only too happy to make your house their home if the opportunity arises.

Gnaw Marks

One of the most obvious signs of a rat infestation is the presence of gnaw marks on food packaging, wooden structures, or electrical wires. Rats need to chew constantly to keep their teeth from growing too long. You may also notice greasy rub marks along walls and baseboards where rats travel, as their fur leaves behind an oily residue.

Rat Droppings

Rat droppings are another telltale sign of an infestation. These droppings are typically dark brown or black, resembling small, oblong pellets about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. Fresh droppings are usually moist and shiny, while older droppings become dry and crumbly. The quantity and freshness of droppings can indicate the level of infestation and whether the rats are still active in your home.

Rat Noises and Where They Come From

Rats are nocturnal, so you’re most likely to hear them at night. Common rat noises include scratching, scurrying, and squeaking, often coming from the walls, attic, or crawl spaces. These sounds are particularly noticeable when the house is quiet. If you hear persistent noises in these areas, it’s a strong indication that rats may have infiltrated your home.

Preventing Rats from Entering Your Home

Our houses are the perfect environment for rats to thrive; they’re warm, protected from the harsh outdoor environment, and often have a steady supply of food. If you don’t take the right precautions, it’s very easy to end up with an infestation. Taking some time to make your home less attractive or accessible to rodents is the best way to keep these pests out of your property. We recommend clearing out excess clutter, cleaning up trash or dirty dishes quickly, and sealing any entry points that rodents could use to sneak indoors.

While rats are difficult to get rid of, there are several steps you can take to eliminate an infestation:

  • Thoroughly clean your home
  • Remove trash and fix moisture issues
  • Store food in airtight containers
  • Remove clutter throughout your property
  • Set traps or bait stations
  • Work with a professional

Sealing Entry Points

One of the most effective ways to prevent rats from entering your home is by sealing any potential entry points. Rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter-inch, so inspect your home thoroughly for gaps around doors, windows, vents, and utility pipes. Use materials like steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth to close off these spaces. Pay special attention to areas where cables or pipes enter the building, as these are common access points for rodents.

Securing Food and Garbage

Rats are opportunistic feeders, so securing food sources and garbage is essential in keeping them out of your home. Store food in airtight containers made of metal or heavy plastic. Make sure pet food and birdseed are also stored securely. Dispose of garbage regularly, using trash cans with tight-fitting lids, and avoid leaving food scraps or dirty dishes out overnight, as these can attract rats.

Outdoor Maintenance to Deter Rats

Proper outdoor maintenance can significantly reduce the likelihood of a rat infestation. Keep your yard tidy by removing debris, leaf piles, and tall grass, which can provide shelter for rats. Trim back tree branches and shrubs that touch or overhang your home, as rodents can use these as bridges to enter. Ensure that compost bins are well-maintained and consider using rodent-proof composters.

How to Get Rid of Rats: DIY Methods

Types of Rat Traps

Rat traps are a popular DIY method for controlling infestations. Snap traps are the most common and effective, designed to kill rats quickly, while live traps allow you to capture and release rats – but be aware that they then require proper relocation far from your home. Glue traps can also be used, though they are less humane as they do not kill the rat instantly. 

Using Rat Bait and Poison Safely

Rat bait and poison can be effective but should be used cautiously. It is important to place them in tamper-resistant bait stations to protect children and pets from accidental exposure. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consider using these products in areas where rats are active but are inaccessible to non-target animals.

Natural Repellents for Rats

For those seeking a more natural approach, essential oils like peppermint oil, are popular rat repellents, and some people even use crushed chili pepper. However, these methods are considerably less effective than professional pest control. But if you do want to try natural repellents, place these substances near entry points or areas of rat activity to deter them from entering your home.

Professional Rat Control Solutions

When to Call a Pest Control Expert

While DIY methods can sometimes be effective for small rat problems, significant infestations require professional intervention. If you’re seeing rats during the day, hearing persistent noises in your walls, or finding large amounts of droppings, it’s time to call a pest control expert

Benefits of Professional Rat Extermination Services

Hiring a professional rodent control service offers several advantages. Experts have access to stronger, more effective tools and treatments that aren’t available to the general public, and they are professionally trained to use the treatments in the safest, most effective and humane way.  

A professional can accurately identify the extent of your infestation and provide a comprehensive plan to eliminate the rats, addressing both current problems and potential future issues. Moreover, professional exterminators have a great understanding of rat behavior and can locate and seal entry points that might be difficult for a homeowner to identify.

What to Expect During a Professional Treatment

When you hire a pest control company like Active Pest Control, you can expect a thorough inspection of your home to identify signs of rat activity and entry points. The exterminator will then use a combination of traps, baits, and possibly rodenticides tailored to your specific situation. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to ensure the rats are fully eradicated and to check that the preventative measures are effective. We will also provide advice on how to prevent the rats from returning to your home in the future.

Need Help with Rodent Control in Your Georgia Home?

Dealing with rats and other types of rodents on your own can be stressful. Not only are they incredibly unpleasant, but they can also damage your health if mishandled. That’s where the experts at Active Pest Control can help. Our team has over 35 years of experience serving Georgia, and we’re happy to take on the dirty work for you. From creating a custom treatment plan to cleaning up after infestations, our experts are here to help. Just give us a call today to get started!

How To Get Rid of Rats in Your Home in Georgia

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