Hearing scurrying sounds or finding rat droppings in your home?
These are clear signs of a rat infestation. Rats in your walls can damage electrical wires, drywall, and insulation, leading to costly repairs. They can also pose health risks by spreading diseases. The good news is that there are effective ways to address the problem.
Here are six tips to help homeowners tackle a rodent problem and reclaim their space.
Key Takeaways
- Rats in walls pose health and safety risks, including fire hazards and disease, requiring immediate attention.
- Common signs of rats include droppings, gnaw marks, squeaking noises, and visible entry points around your home.
- Effective steps include sealing entry points, setting traps, removing food and water sources, and using deterrents.
- Professional exterminators can inspect, remove rats, and provide prevention strategies if DIY methods are unsuccessful.
How to Get Rid of Rats in Your Walls in 6 Steps
Whether Norway rats or other rat species, ignoring them in your walls can lead to bigger problems. They can chew through electrical wires, potentially causing fires, and their droppings can trigger health issues.
To help protect your family and property, address the issue promptly with these steps:
1. Spot the Signs of Rats in Your Walls
The first step in rodent control is confirming you have rats, not mice or other pests. Here are some common signs of rats:
- Droppings near food sources, baseboards, and crawl spaces.
- Squeaking or gnawing sounds are often heard at night.
- Access points like cracks, crevices, or poorly sealed doors.
- Gnaw marks on wood, wires, or stored items.
2. Seal Up Entry Points
Rats can fit through openings as small as a quarter, so sealing access points is key.
Check for gaps or cracks around your home and seal them using steel wool, caulk, or durable materials like metal mesh. Be sure to address wall cavities and cracks near baseboards, as these are common entryways.
Don’t forget to trim back overhanging branches and shrubs that might give rats an easy route to your roof.
3. Set Rat Traps Strategically
Trapping is a tried-and-true method to get rid of rats in walls without using rat poisons. Here are some of the best options:
| Rat Trap Types | Description |
|---|---|
Snap Traps
|
These are effective for quickly and humanely killing rats. |
Glue Traps
|
Useful for smaller spaces, but be mindful of placement. |
Live Traps
|
A humane alternative for capturing and relocating rats. |
For bait, use attractants like peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit. Place traps along walls, near crevices, or in areas where you’ve seen activity.
4. Remove Food and Water Sources
Keeping rats away starts with eliminating what attracts them. Store food and pet food in airtight containers so they can’t get to it.
Make sure to clean up crumbs, spills, and grease from countertops and floors to remove potential food sources. Fix any leaks to get rid of water sources that rats rely on. Don’t forget to take out the trash regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids.
Since rats are quick to nest where food is easy to find, keeping your home clean and tidy is one of the best ways to stop them from moving in.
5. Use Repellents and Deterrents
To make your home less attractive to rats, try a combination of natural and commercial deterrents.
Peppermint oil is a popular option—place it near access points to help keep rats away. Baking soda can be mixed with bait as a simple DIY solution, though it’s not very effective on its own.
If the infestation is severe, rat poisons can be used, but only as a last resort and with caution, especially in areas like crawl spaces. You can also consider using repellent sprays or ultrasonic devices to add another layer of protection.
6. Contact a Professional Exterminator
If your DIY efforts don’t resolve the rat problem, it’s time to call a professional pest control company. An experienced exterminator can:
- Conduct a detailed inspection of wall cavities and hidden areas.
- Set up bait stations and live traps for targeted removal.
- Provide advice on sealing entry points and long-term prevention.
When to Call Rat Removal Services
At Simple Pest Management, our pest control services ensure your rat infestation is handled safely and effectively, minimizing health risks and damage. If you’re in California and need expert help, contact us today for fast, reliable rat removal services.
