How to Get Rid of Rats

Rats can bite, destroy your property, and can cause potential health concerns. Use these helpful tips to eliminate rats from your property.

Step 1: Remove food source Remove food sources from the area, such as pet food, fruits from trees, birdseed, and dog manure.
Step 2: Clean yard of debris Keep your yard free of debris, trash, and tall grass. Organize and elevate stored items.
TIP: Stack firewood 18 inches off the ground.
Step 3: Use metal garbage cans Keep trash in metal garbage cans with tight fitting lids.
Step 4: Use rat repellant Use non-toxic rat repellent to deter rats from entering your property.
Step 5: Set live traps Set live traps around the infested area. Bait the traps with peanut butter, apple slices, or pieces of potato.
TIP: Make sure traps are in a safe place away from children and pets.
Step 6: Prevent entry Prevent entry into your home or shed by sealing off holes that are larger than ½-inch wide. Use steel mesh to seal openings, since rats can gnaw holes in wood and plastic.
FACT: The most commonly encountered rat in residential areas is the Norway rat, which is 12 to 18 inches long with a tail that is 5 to 8 inches long.