How To Get Rid Of Rats

Getting rid of rats on your own is possible, but it requires a combination of prevention, sanitation, exclusion, and active control methods. Here’s how to get rid of rats:

Identify the Problem

Signs of rats: Droppings (dark, pellet-shaped, usually ½–¾ inch), gnaw marks on wood, wires, or packaging, greasy rub marks along walls, burrows outside, and scratching or squeaking noises.
Species identification: Norway rats (larger, burrowing) or roof rats (smaller, climbers) will influence control methods and placement of traps.

Eliminate Food and Water Sources

Food: Store food in sealed, rodent-proof containers (metal or thick plastic). Keep pet food off the floor.
Waste: Empty trash cans frequently and use tight-fitting lids.
Water: Fix leaky faucets, standing water, and bird baths near entry points.

Seal Entry Points (Exclusion)

Rats can squeeze through tiny gaps:

Inspection: Check doors, windows, vents, and the foundation for gaps as small as ½ inch.
Sealing: Use hardware cloth, steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing. Avoid materials rats can chew through, like rubber or plastic.

Trapping

Traps are the most effective DIY solution if placed correctly.

Snap traps: Quick and humane. Place along walls, behind objects, or where you’ve seen droppings. Use attractive bait like peanut butter, dried fruit, or nuts.
Electronic traps: Deliver a quick, lethal shock. Good for smaller infestations.
Multiple traps: Set 2–3 traps per suspected rat run for best results.

Trap placement tips: Along walls (rats rarely cross open spaces). Near burrows, behind appliances, or dark corners. Check traps daily and dispose of dead rats safely.

Rodenticides (Use with Caution)

Types: Anticoagulant baits (most common) or non-anticoagulants.
Safety: Always use in tamper-resistant bait stations, especially in homes with children or pets.
Regulations: Some regions restrict rodenticide use, particularly anticoagulants. Check local laws.
Drawbacks: Dead rats may die in hidden areas, creating odor issues.

Maintain Sanitation and Monitoring

Keep areas clean and free of clutter.
Monitor for fresh droppings or gnaw marks.
Rotate traps and bait locations if rats persist.
Prevent reinfestation by regularly checking for new entry points.

When DIY May Not Be Enough

Infestations are large or ongoing despite your efforts.
Structural issues (attics, basements, walls) make access difficult.
Presence of rats in sensitive areas like food service, schools, or medical facilities.

In these cases, hiring our professional pest control is often safer and more effective, as we have specialized tools, rodenticides, and exclusion techniques.

Learn more: Natural Rat Repellents

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Rats

Hiring our professional pest control for rat infestations is the best approach for several reasons. Here’s why:

Expert Identification and Assessment

Our professionals can accurately identify the species (Norway rats vs. roof rats) and the extent of the infestation. Different species behave differently—some burrow, some climb, some gnaw more aggressively—which affects control strategy.
We can locate hidden entry points, nests, and food sources that most homeowners or business owners would miss.

Safe and Effective Use of Rodenticides

Rat poisons (rodenticides) are toxic to humans and pets if misused.
Our professionals know which rodenticide is most effective for the situation, including proper placement in tamper-resistant bait stations to avoid accidental exposure, as well as dosage and rotation strategies to prevent bait shyness.
We can also deal with dead rat disposal, which can be hazardous and cause odor issues if left inside walls or ceilings.

Advanced Trapping Techniques

Our professionals use industrial-grade snap traps, electronic traps, and glue boards in strategic locations.
We often place multiple traps in hidden or hard-to-reach areas where rats travel—places most DIYers can’t access safely.
We monitor traps and adjust placement for maximum capture efficiency, reducing the infestation faster than DIY attempts.

Exclusion and Long-Term Prevention

Rats are excellent at re-entering even after control measures. Our professionals provide structural repairs (sealing holes, vents, pipes) with materials rats cannot chew through, as well as recommendations for landscaping, storage, and sanitation improvements that prevent reinfestation.
Exclusion is often the most effective long-term solution, yet it requires knowledge, tools, and sometimes permits.

Health and Safety

Rats carry diseases (leptospirosis, salmonella, hantavirus) and parasites (fleas, mites, ticks).
Our professionals minimize direct contact, reducing the risk of disease transmission during removal.
We can safely handle infestations in attics, basements, crawlspaces, or businesses that pose health hazards.

Time and Cost Efficiency

DIY methods can take weeks or months with uncertain results.
Our professionals can eliminate infestations faster, preventing ongoing property damage (gnawed wires, insulation, food contamination) that can be costly to repair.
We also provide a re-treatment guarantee and ongoing services, offering peace of mind that the infestation is truly under control.

Special Considerations for Businesses

In restaurants, food storage, or healthcare facilities, infestations can lead to health code violations, legal liability, and brand damage.
Our professionals know regulatory requirements and can document treatment in compliance with health and safety standards.

DIY methods can sometimes control small infestations, but our professionals combine expertise, safety, effective tools, and long-term prevention strategies that homeowners or business owners usually cannot match. This ensures faster, safer, and more reliable rat control.

Get Rid Of Rats With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!