Whether you live in a house or an apartment, rodents are the last thing you would want to see in your humble abode. These include rats, which are problematic to homeowners. They won’t just damage the structures of your living space; they also carry a variety of diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, to name a few.
With that said, knowing how to get rid of rats and other rodents is the best course of action you can take. It also helps you familiarize yourself with what smell do rats hate and utilize other remedies to prevent them from coming back.
1) Set Up Baits and Traps
Baits and traps can be used separately or in conjunction with removing rats inside your house or apartment. On one hand, baits can kill these pests but take a while to work; rats are weary, so they will nibble on new food and see if it is safe for them. On the other hand, traps are more ideal if you need the rat caught or dead ones cannot be located after eating the bait. In any case, the method will depend on your situation.
2) Keep Food Out of Reach
Rats will eat and drink anything, from leftovers and pet food to spilled water and beverages. Get rid of potential food and water sources by properly storing them in sealed containers and by keeping garbage-can lids tight. Also, be sure to clean your pet’s food containers regularly after feeding them. Rats love pet food.
3) Use Essential Oils
One natural way of getting rid of rats is by using essential oils. These irritate the rats’ noses and mask the pheromone trails they use to navigate. All you need is a sprayer, along with a mixture of water and 10 drops of peppermint or eucalyptus. Bear in mind that essential oils are not recommended if you have pets at home.
4) Seal Cracks and Gaps
Rats prefer the dark, which means, they lurk and stay within the structures of your home. More specifically, they enter and exit through cracks, small gaps, and openings on doors, windows, and walls. Once you have identified these, fill these in using steel wool. That way, rats won’t be able to chew through it.
5) Get a Cat or Dog
When it comes to hunting rats and mice, a cat or dog is your best bet. Not only will cats get rid of these pests, but will also prevent future rat infestations from happening. Any cat or dog will do, but outdoor pets are recommended for their hunting prowess. While cats and dogs won’t get rid of a rat colony, they can alert you to one when it’s present.
Turn To Rat Control
If all else fails, turn to Arrow Services, Inc. We provide rodent control services in Indiana and surrounding states. Contact us today for more information.