Rats are a big problem in some neighborhoods of the country's larger cities but they can undoubtedly be a menace in more rural communities, as well. Some pest control companies specialize in dealing with rat infestations so it is worth procuring professional pest control services if you face being overwhelmed by these creatures on your property. That being said, there are some things you can do to deter or get rid of rats yourself. What are some of the best options? Read on to find out.
1. Lay Traps
To begin with, trapping is one of the most common methods used to deal with rat infestations throughout the USA. Helpfully, there are a number of different trap designs available on the market these days. These range from traditional snap traps, which are designed to break the backs of rats that stray onto them, to more humane live-capture traps. Regardless of the sort of trap you use, this method relies on baiting with foods that rats find irresistible. Of course, this can attract rats to your property, as well. Typically, high-fat foods, such as peanut butter or cheese, will be used to bait traps. For best results, place them in areas of high rodent activity. You need to be proactive with this approach since it is crucial that you will check the traps regularly and dispose of any caught specimens appropriately or you may further public health issues from dead or dying rats.
2. Deploy Rodenticides
More widely known as rat poisons, rodenticides are another commonly used method for controlling localized rat populations. These substances work by causing internal bleeding in the guts of rats, leading to their eventual death. Although rodenticides can be a highly effective method of rat control, they also pose risks to animals and pets that are not being targeted. That's why it is a good idea to turn to a pest control services firm in your area if you are thinking about using them. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Ideally, you will make use of tamper-resistant poisoned bait stations to minimize risks to people and other creatures.
3. Take Preventative Measures
As most pest control service providers would agree, prevention is often the best method for handling rat infestations. Overall, prevention means making your property less appealing to rats so they'll head elsewhere. Professional pest control services will also often make it harder for rats to access your property by blocking up access points. Typical prevention methods include sealing any holes in your home's exterior, keeping your property clean, storing food in rat-proof containers, and removing cover like piles of wood or shrubs, from your yard.