How to get rid of rats
Rats are smarter and warier than mice — they avoid new objects for days and rarely take the first bait you offer. The DIY path works for small populations, but established colonies in walls, attics, or sewers usually need a pro. Plan on 2–6 weeks of work.
Tools
- ✓Rat bites carry serious disease risk; never handle traps barehanded.
- ✓For inspecting attics, crawl spaces, basement corners.
- ✓For installing hardware cloth over vents and openings.
Materials
- +Rat-sized snap traps. Buy 6–10. Snap traps are the safest effective option around pets and kids.
- +Tamper-resistant, anchorable. Use outside only, with the stations anchored.
- +Anticoagulant blocks for use in locked stations. Read every label warning.
- +For sealing larger openings — vents, foundation gaps, crawl space access.
- +For sealing around pipes and small gaps once steel wool or mesh is in place.
- +Bait for snap traps. Mix and smear on trigger.
Steps
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1
Confirm rats vs mice
Rat droppings are 1/2-inch+ and capsule-shaped; mouse droppings are 1/4-inch and pointed. Gnaw marks on wood with parallel grooves about 1/8-inch wide also indicate rats.
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2
Find and seal entry points first
Rats need a 1/2-inch hole. Inspect the foundation, roof eaves (especially where rooflines meet), attic vents, dryer vents, and around utility penetrations. Use hardware cloth on larger holes, foam over steel wool on smaller ones. Sealing before trapping is critical — new rats replace trapped ones otherwise.
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3
Pre-bait without setting traps
For 3–5 nights, place unset snap traps with bait in the runways. Rats are neophobic — they'll avoid a new trap for days. Pre-baiting builds trust.
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4
Set the traps along walls and runways
Place traps perpendicular to walls with the trigger end against the wall. Use 6+ traps spaced 10 feet apart. Behind appliances, in attic corners, against beams in crawl spaces.
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5
Deploy locked bait stations outside
If activity continues, anchor locking stations along the exterior perimeter and at the property line. Use Bait Chunx. Check stations weekly. Never place unlocked bait anywhere — even in an attic.
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6
Dispose of carcasses safely
Wear gloves. Double-bag and discard in outdoor trash. Spray the area with 10% bleach. If a rat dies in a wall, expect 1–2 weeks of odor — there's no good fix except patience or cutting drywall.
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7
Call a pro if activity persists past 3 weeks
A persistent rat problem usually means a colony you can't find — in walls, under floors, or coming from a sewer. Pros use tracking dust, cameras, and exclusion experience you don't have.