How Do You Kill Rats before They Reproduce?

Rats are one of the most common—and unwelcome—pests in homes around the world. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also be dangerous: Rats often carry diseases that are harmful to humans. And to make matters worse, rats can cause structural damage to your home.

How fast can rats reproduce?

One of the main reasons you’ll want to get rid of rats fast is because they reproduce quickly. Female rats can give birth to up to 2,000 babies in a single year. In fact, a single litter can contain up to 22 babies. Considering rats have a gestational period of less than a month, it’s no wonder that they reproduce so often.

How can you tell if you have rats?

As rats multiply, you may notice an increase in small, dark, pellet-shaped droppings. You may also see chewed up wires, wood, drywall, or insulation. Additionally, rats emit a strong ammonia smell and are very loud – so you are likely to smell or hear them.

Below are some methods to kill a rat quickly:

A few things to keep in mind

Rats prefer to harbor by or near a food source that is constant, such as a trash receptacle or bird feeder.

When capturing or killing a rat, be sure to practice caution and keep any devices out of the reach of children and pets.

Also, remember that rats are very good at hiding. Because they may change their location frequently and because the presence of one rat often signifies more, be sure to use these methods around the house.

Rat poisons

Poison baits are one of the most common and effective ways to kill rats. Available at most hardware stores, these work by luring rats into stations with food and then poisoning them. To minimize risk to yourself and your loved ones, make sure you read the instructions carefully and keep the bait fully enclosed.

Snap traps

Snap traps are another popular way to kill rats. A snap trap lures the rat into the trap with food and then snaps shut when it tries to take the bait. To ensure this method works, bait the traps with peanut butter or cheese and place them along walls or in other areas where you’ve seen rats. Be sure to check the traps regularly and dispose of any rats that have been caught.

Glue boards

Glue boards work by luring the rat onto the board with food and then trapping it with glue. Like poison bait and snap traps, glue boards can be purchased online or at most hardware stores.

Follow these tips to prevent the spread of rats:

Seal possible entry points

Seal any holes or cracks in your home. Rats can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, so it’s important to ensure that there are no openings in your walls, floors, or foundation. You can use caulk, steel wool, or wire mesh.

Remove any sources of food or water

If you have rats in your home, chances are there is also a source of food or water that’s attracting them. Remove any pet food from outside your home and make sure to keep all food—including human food—in tightly sealed containers. If you have leaky pipes or other sources of water, fix them so that the rats don’t have anything to drink.

Minimize clutter

The best way to prevent rats from coming back is to keep your home clean and clutter-free. Rats like to live in dirty and cluttered spaces because these areas provide them with a place to hide and access food. Be sure to regularly clean your floors, counters, and cabinets, and to declutter areas such as attics and crawl spaces. You should also avoid leaving food out in the open where rats can access it.

Conclusion:

Rats are unpopular houseguests for good reason: They’re dirty, they carry diseases, and they reproduce quickly. If you have rats in your home, you’ll want to get rid of them as soon as possible.

While the above methods are effective for eliminating individual rats, they won’t do much to reduce the overall population. So how do you kill all the rats in your home, once and for all? For lasting results, it’s best to hire a professional pest control company such as Dominion Pest Control. We have tools that will help you get rid of your rat problem in the safest and most thorough way possible. And because we are experienced in dealing with rodents, we can do so quickly and efficiently.

Call us today at (717) 393-7879 or contact us here to learn about our pest control services.

We serve Lancaster County (Lititz, Lancaster city, Manheim, Ephrata, Strasburg, etc), York County (Dallastown, Red Lion, York city, Hellam, etc), Lebanon, and Hershey. Here’s a map of our location and service area: