How do you get rid of rats in your house?
If you've ever had the unfortunate opportunity to have rodents in your home, you would likely do anything to make sure that you don't have to live through that nightmare again. Is it possible to get rid of rats permanently? We wish we could tell you, "Yes, absolutely!" but in reality, there are so many rodents running around on Earth that trying to keep them away forever is a losing battle.
What can you do to lessen your chances of spotting a rat or mouse in your home? We'd love to tell you! Before we do that, let's understand why rodents are coming into your home in the first place.
Why do rats come into your home?
Like any pest that trades in an outdoor life for an indoors one, rodents are seeking what they cannot find in the wilderness: food, shelter, and a place to reproduce away from predators. This is why the most common places that you will find rodents in your home is where at least two of the three of those needs are met. Places like attics, basements, garages, and even seldom used rooms in the main areas of your home are incredibly appealing to rodents because they will be left alone to settle in.
How to keep rats out of your house
Now that you understand why rats and mice might pop up in your home, how do you get them out and keep them out? There are a few routes you can take. First, you have to figure out how they are getting into your home. This is key, because anything else you implement will be pointless if you still allow rodents to come and go as they please.
If you find evidence of rats or mice in your attic, look to see if there is any sunlight coming in near the outside perimeter of the attic space. Are any vents damaged or missing? Exclusion is the best practice for rat or mice elimination in your home. This involves hiring a pest management company to go around your home and seal up every possible place something could get or is getting in through.
For commercial customers, there is a product called Contra that is used to sterilize rats. According to their website, one male and one female rat can produce up to 15,000 babies in one year, which means all it takes is two rats to revive an infestation after you've gone through all the hassle to eliminate rodents the first time. While this product does have an effect on keeping rodent populations down, it is more of a long-term preventative product, which means it won't have the immediate effect you need when you first find rodents in your home.
After your home has been sealed and any existing rodents have been removed, make sure you keep your re-infestation risk as low as possible by removing any lure to your home. Keep all food items properly stored, using air-tight containers for loose or bulk foods, shelves that don't allow food within two feet of the floor, and regularly clean up any crumbs or spilled food off the pantry and eating area floors. In your basement, attic, and garage, replace all cardboard storage with plastic bins with locking lids. Cardboard makes great chew toys and nesting location for rodents, so just remove that temptation and protect your belongings!
If you're tired of wondering what the pests in or around your home are doing and just want them gone, don't hesitate to give us a call. The BREDA Guarantee promises to protect your home and keep it protected—no matter the circumstances. Schedule an inspection online or give us a call at 770-466-6700.
