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How to Get Rid of Rats: 5 Best and Proven Ways. Is Repelling More Effective than Killing?

Do you want to know what is the most effective way of getting rid of rats? Repelling, poisoning or electrocuting, which should you choose? Scientists say there are four effective ways of rat control: Exclusion, habitat modification, trapping and poisoning. Trapping and poisoning provide control of an existing rat problem, when exclusion can provide long-term control. Here you’ll know how to kill a rat with an electronic trap, how to kill rats using poison baits and what rat repellents are known to be effective.

How to get rid of rats | Best Rat Killers Infographics | StoppestInfo.com

Here are poisons and an electronic trap that we consider the most effective methods to get rid of rats fast.

1. JT Eaton 709-PN Poison Bait
Slow-acting poison: Multiple feedings are required. Rats die within a week. It’s good because rodents can move from your place and die far away. Peanut butter flavor. Place in rodents’ spots of activity indoors or outdoors.

JT Eaton 709-PN Poison Bait min: photo
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2. Rat Zapper Classic Electronic Trap
Electric shock kills rats in 2 minutes. Trap electrocutes a rodent when it touches a metal plate inside. Place food bait and leave for the rats to get used to it for a few days. The most “clean” & safe method to kill rats.

Rat Zapper Classic Electronic Trap min: photo
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3. Neogen 116300 Ramik Green 
Slow-acting poison (Diphacinone) with fish flavor. For best results, use different baits with a fresh rodenticide and flavors. Multiple feedings prevent rats from associating their sickness with it.

Neogen 116300 Ramik Green min: photo
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4. Just One Bite II Fast-acting poison
When you need a powerful poison, use fast-acting rodenticides like bromadiolone, but they are extremely dangerous to humans and pets and can be used in and around agricultural buildings only.

Just One Bite II Fast-acting poison min: photo
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5. Bait Station
When killing rats with poisons, make sure to use Rat Bait Stations like a triangular-shaped Protecta LP or ‘T’-shaped top-loaded JT Eaton, which you can attach somewhere above a fence or on a tree. It will prevent pets from accidental poison swallowing.

Bait Station min: photo
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But there is no single solution for rat problem. You must slowly but steadily poison rats, electrocute them or keep away from your house and rental property with the help of electronic ultrasonic repellent or natural repellent sprays.

Table of Contents:

5 Most Effective Ways of Getting Rid of Rats

According to the The University of Arizona effective methods of roof rat control include exclusion, habitat modification, trapping, and poison bait.

The use of traps and/or poison baits can effectively provide control of an existing roof rat problem, but using the methods of exclusion can provide effective, long-term control by preventing roof rat infestation.

Here are 5 popular ways of getting rid of rats:

JT Eaton 709-PN Bait Block Anticoagulant Rodenticide, Peanut Butter Flavor, for Mice and Rats (9 lb Pail of 144)

1. Slowly but steadily poison rats with poisonous rat baits and hope that they will die far away from your house.

Rat Zapper Classic Trap: photo

2. Electrocute them. Resort to this full measure once you’re in despair and if you want to handle them without gloves, use electronic traps. They give a quick and 100% proven result.

3. Keep rodents away from your house with the help of electronic ultrasonic repellents.

4. Spray natural repellents along the perimeter.

5. Plant some plants which rats are driven away by or use homemade and biological methods.

How to Kill Rats Using Poison Rat Baits

The most popular rat baits at the moment are JT Eaton 709-PN Bait Block,Farnam Home & Garden Just One Bite. When speaking about outdoor rat extermination, it is important to place the poison not randomly but right where you saw some rats.

JT Eaton 166004 709-PN Bait Block

JT Eaton 709-PN Bait Block Anticoagulant Rodenticide, Peanut Butter Flavor, for Mice and Rats (9 lb Pail of 144)

The best selling JT Eaton 709-PN is just like the rat poison bait that professional exterminators use in rat bait stations. A one-bait bucket lasts most in the summer and fall, and during winter it can last the whole season.

JT Eaton bait chunks work fast – a lot of people say that they began finding dead rats the next day or within the next week or two, it depends on the stage of rodent infestation in a house or attic. And, it’s enough to deal with rodent problems for a very, very long time: “Once the immediate problem is resolved, I’ll just leave the bait blocks in place and check them about once a month. If one is eaten, I’ll replace it at once. No more rats!” 

JT Eaton: Check the current price

How do JT Eaton and other baits work? They attract rats and mice with a pleasant smell, and after a rodent has feasted on poison, it dies of internal hemorrhages or a kidney, liver, or heart failure (it depends on the type of poison). It would be best if it died somewhere outside, as consequently you will face the nasty dead rat smell, which will worsen unless you find and throw away a rat’s corpse.

Tomcat With Bromethalin Bait Chunx Pail, Pest Control for Agricultural Buildings and Homes, Kill Rats and Mice, 4 lbs.

How to Kill a Rat: Electronic Traps

Electronic rat traps are considered to be the most modern and effective traps nowadays. They electrocute a rodent when it touches a metal plate inside the trap: the rat’s death is not long and painful as it would’ve been if you used regular snap rodent traps, it is instant.

The rodents are lured with food baits, such as nut paste, dog food, seeds etc. These traps are powered by the batteries, which allow them to be placed in the yard as well. Read our review of TOP 6 Best Electronic Rat Traps and Rat Zapper Classic vs Rat Zapper Ultra Rodent Trap to learn about most effective electronic traps.

Rat Zapper Classic Trap: photo

Rat Zapper Classic Trap is a #1 Bestseller Electronic Rodent Trap. This trap is a one of the most effective and the fastest electronic traps on the market. This opinion based on the customer reviews that are full of good words about it. Many people say that it catches more than 100 mice per battery change. And the result (first caught a mouse) have seen the next morning.

Rat Zapper Classic: FIND THE BEST PRICE

While electronic units use the “trap & kill” principle, live-catch rat traps are not aimed at killing the animal. They are usually used against those animals that you’ll feel sorry for and which can’t be killed, such as raccoons or squirrels. Certain models are useful for catching rats as well. Obviously, the animal won’t voluntarily walk behind the metal bars, so you’ll have to use natural baits (the sort that are used in electronic traps). Later on, a rat won’t be able to get out of its cage. If you feel sorry even for such rodents as rats, use Havahart X-Small Live-Catch One-Door Animal Trap, and set them free far away from your home.

How to Choose the Most Effective Natural Rat Repellents

Rats are not worthy of spraying dangerous chemicals around your lawn. This is probably only acceptable when fighting insects. In case of rats, you’ll do with organic repellents such as sprays and repellent bags, which are convenient to use and which won’t make you fear for the health of your kids and pets.

Fresh Cab Botanical Rodent Repellent

These pouches look like giant tea bags which repel rats and mice through the plant fibers inside the pouch being naturally saturated with balsam fir oil and other oils. The product repels rodents both inside and outside the house. When using these outdoors, though, you have to change pouches more often and keep them away from moisture as the rain can wash away active substances.

Fresh Cab Rodent Repellent - Botanical Pest Control for Indoor Use - Safe for Kids & Pets When Used As Directed - Made with Plant Fibers, Balsam Fir Essential Oil & Fragrance - 4-Pack

There is some negative feedback, but only few  consumers claimed that these pouches are useless when it comes to exterminating the rats. The rest recognize the effectiveness of the product.

Fresh Cab: Check the current price

There exist lots of traditional animal infestation treatment methods, but once you start looking for a ready-to-use natural Animal Deterrent and Repellent Spray, you’ll find that no special products for repelling each individual species, such as rats, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits or other small animals/rodents are available. As a rule such items are marketed as universal ones and they contain multi-action active ingredients.

How Do Repellents Work?

The scientists from University of Florida explain that “Most of these deterrents operate through one of several mechanisms: odor aversion, taste aversion, or fear inducement”. Pepper, peppermint, tarragon, garlic, various essential oils, castor oil, diatomaceous earth, and putrescent egg solids are considered to be the so-called contact plant origin repellents operate through the first and the second mechanisms. The third type of repellents contains the ingredients of animal origin, such animals’ enemies urine (such as coyotes or foxes), dried blood and hair induce pests animals’ panic and make them flee.

Yes, repellents look cool, especially for those who are a little lazy. We all wish for a miracle that once we buy a bottle of the product and spray it all over the place, all of the annoying pests leave for good and never come back.

This is what usually the manufacturers of such repellents promise, they claim that the taste or the odor of a repellent will avert the pests and drive them away from any treated objects or plants. Is that really so? It is partly true, but there are several disclaimers to be taken into account.

Theoretically, any of the above mentioned ingredients is effective. However, without a systematic approach the effect doesn’t last long because the animal would get used to the stimulus and understand that it is not lethal.

Havahart, Shake Away, Eco Defense, Ortho, Bonide, Expel and others are the renowned brands manufacturing animal repellents. The ingredients of these products will likely differ, but their effect is pretty similar. The manufacturers constantly improve their products and constantly try to advance their effectiveness. We recommend you to pick the most popular repellent available. Read our review of the 5 Best Rat Repellents.

Eco Defense Mice Repellent

Mighty Mint 16oz Peppermint Oil Rodent Repellent Spray

Eco Defense is a popular rat & mouse repellent spray. It is made of peppermint oil, cinnamon oil and castor oil. The manufacturer claims that this repellent can be used against all types of rats and mice both indoors and outdoors.

Eco Defense: Check the current price

You also can choose the suitable repellent spray by yourself in the Animal Repellents category. The prices start from Check the current priceMore rat repellents you’ll find in Best rat & mouse repellents review.

If you don’t want to rely on the short-term effect of the repellents, choose the methods of treatments which were approved by the scientists, such as poisons and traps. We recommend you to read our review of the 5 Вest Rat and Mouse Poison Baits where we list the best proven and most effective rat baits.

How to Get Rid Of Rats in Your House

Let’s now choose the safest ways of getting rid of rats indoors.

First, we have to say that you can use poison rat baits, but you have to do so with great caution if you have children or cats and dogs. If you haven’t got them, don’t be afraid of anything; you can contaminate the rodents in good conscience.

Electronic traps which electrocute rodents are versatile when you have many rats at home and you want to exterminate all of them.

Rat Zapper RZC001-4 Wishing Zapper RZC001 Classic Rat Trap (Pack of 4), 4 Pack, Purple

 It’s important to clean out the dead bodies in a timely manner, though, as the smell of decomposing corpses repels other rats as they would never get into a trap where somebody of their own lies. Also, change the batteries as often as possible, as this directly affects the trap’s productivity. The time-proven Rat Zapper Classic is #1 Best selling rat trap. If you’re aiming for such a rat killer, make sure you get the best model.

Rat Zapper Classic: FIND THE BEST PRICE

Electronic repellents work best indoors, but there are two catches. First, it is desirable that the room where they are placed has as little furniture and as fewer carpets as possible, because they absorb ultrasound and thus reduce the effect of such repellents significantly. Second, you have to consider the area to be covered and study the repellents’ specs carefully, especially where a unitary coverage area is mentioned.

Natural homemade control methods. You can use harmless natural control methods both outdoors and indoors, especially those which use such plants as peppermint, pepper, onion etc. Besides using organic products, remember that you can get a rat-catcher cat (remember that some lazy types, such as  some cats I know, are never good at catching mice).

How Do Electronic Repellents Help You to Get Rid of Rats Outside?

Electronic repellents repel rodents with ultrasound which cannot be heard by humans, and which makes rats panic and run as far away from its source as possible. These devices are quite effective if you’re looking for an alternative to killing rats with traps and poisons.

Ultrasound repellents differ according to the way they’re powered: through an outlet, with regular batteries or sun batteries. We won’t focus on the latter type, as solar powered repellents are usually used when getting rid of gophers and moles. They’re not really effective against rats. The other two types of repellents are designed for indoor use mostly, and there the effect is maximized.

Nevertheless, they can be somehow useful against rats in your backyard given that you change the batteries often or find an extension cord to plug the repeller into an outlet. Also remember to consider protecting the gadget from water, as most of such devices are not waterproof.

There are many similar goods, both old and new styles. The leaders always change, new ones appear and disappear just as quickly, that’s why it is better not to be led by the ads of disposable products and to trust a proven item instead, that is already familiar to the users, and has proven to be effective in usual indoors conditions, such as a typical house. The following electronic repeller has proven best for use both indoors and outdoors.

Aspectek | Electronic Ultrasonic Pest Animal Repeller

Yard Sentinel Outdoor Ultrasonic Animal Repeller with Motion Sensor, Adjustable Volume, Waterproof, Extension Cord, Powerful Repel for Squirrel, Raccoon, Skunk, Rabbit, Fox, Deer, Etc

This device is a 3-in-1 unit, as it can repel the rodents with ultrasound, audio signal and with powerful flashing LED strobe lights flickering. The manufacturer claims that this product is effective against many animals, such as deer, birds, rats, mice, squirrels and others. Do you want to know how to get rid of rabbits in yard? According to the manufacturer, ASPECTEK Repeller can repel rabbits too. 

ASPECTEK: Check the current price

Pest Venator – Ultrasonic Pest Repeller – Electronic Repellent for Mice and Rats

Ultrasonic Pest Repeller, Electric Insect Repeller for Indoor Use, Pest Control Device for Rodents, Mosquitoes, Ants, Cockroaches, Silverfish, Mice, Fleas, Beetles and Other Insects (10 Pack)

f you are looking for a proven rodent repellers for indoor use, take a look at the Pack of 4 Plug-In Electronic Repellents by Pest Venator. It can repel both rats and mice in an area of more than 3000 sq ft.

Electronic rodent repellent: Check the current price

How to Get Rid of Rats in Your Car?

Sometimes rats are found in garages and even in your car as they are looking for a cozy and warm home. They can easily get under the hood, gnaw through the wiring, damage expensive spare parts and leave their feces.

Do you want to know how to get a rat out of a car? Of course, you can try using moth balls, but since they are toxic, ultrasound remains the best way to safely remove rats. Let’s check out two special car rat repellents, Loraffe Under Hood Animal Repeller.

P3 International P7825 B00EEH920Y Under Hood Animal Repeller, Black

Both operate in a similar way: the devices emit changing ultrasonic waves that make rats flee the enclosed space under the hood. To keep rats out of car engine, use supplied connectors to connect the Loraffe to the battery. The latter repeller, P3 is portable and is powered by two C batteries. According to the manufacturer, it should repel not only rodents, but also squirrels, rabbits, martens/sables. It is waterproof, so it can be used on marine transportation.

The users are satisfied with Loraffe performance. Although it requires mounting, it won’t be a problem for an experienced driver. The customers appreciate P3 Repeller’s portability, long battery life and the fact that it helps to keep rats out of a roaster, lawn mower, etc. However, less than 60% of users consider it effective.

P3 International: Check the current price

This story cannot be cut short, so for more details refer to our Top 7 electronic indoor rodent repellents review.

Best Rat Control Products Comparative Chart

The Best Homemade Natural Ways of Getting Rid of Rats

Rats can’t stand some of the plants which will serve as natural rat repellents if you plant them in your garden. Among these plants are peppermint, tansy, elderberry and other plants.

Many people also use peppermint oil as a means of fighting the rats. You are supposed to roll the cotton balls, soak them with this oil and leave them in your backyard. You’ll see the effect of this for yourself. Although the choice of these oils is truly immense, we recommend you to purchase the best one, such as 100% Pure Peppermint Essential Oil for only Check the current price.

Sun Essential Oils Peppermint Essential Oil (Huge 4oz Bottle) Bulk Peppermint Oil - 4 Ounce

According to the National Institutes of Health, black (house) rats also can’t stand the smell of Eucalyptus Oil, so don’t spare this product and spread it generously in places where house rats have been spotted.

Essential Oil: Check the current price

Bear in mind that cats are the main enemies of rats and mice. Of course, having a pet does not guarantee anything, but if it’s free to walk outside the house, then it’s likely to reduce the rat population to some extent, as cats are hunters by nature.

Here is another homemade way of fighting rats which involves furry pets: use your cat’s urine as a natural repellent in the yard. This isn’t the most pleasant means of repelling rats, but it has proven to be quite effective due to the fact that rats are terrified by their enemies’ smell.

EXCLUSION: How to Prevent Rat Infestation: 6 Helpful Tips

Preventing a rat infestation in your backyard or garden is much simpler than getting rid of them and spending a lot money and energy on this pursuit. Bear in mind that rats love chaos, so:

1. Clean up the territory near the house more often. Don’t leave any trash, as both rats and raccoons can take advantage of it.

2. Watch the trees and bushes near your house, as rats are attracted by thick weaving and dry not groomed plants. If they make a nest there, they will most likely want to pay visits to your house in search of food.

3. Make sure there are no holes in walls or other manholes and openings. Any through-hole in the wall or the roof of the house or outbuildings is guaranteed to lead these rodents to your place, especially when it’s cold. Because roof rats are excellent climbers and can get through very small openings, try to seal all possible entry points.

4. Use a metal net, such as Copper Mesh 20′ Rats, Mice, Birds Control to cover all the existing holes and strengthen the “weak spots” such as old dog doors and window frames.

FlyBye Copper Mesh FlyByeMESH20 FlyBye Mesh for Pests and Bird Control, 20 ft, Small

5. Eliminate any sources of standing water in the yard: When brown rats can’t get into the house, they prefer a moist environment, like rivers. They can also settle somewhere by the stale water near your house. The thing is that rats are extremely dependant on water, and if the amount of liquid consumed by them is significantly reduced, they die. That’s why they need either water or moist nutrition.

6. If you feed your pets outside, don’t leave their food bowls there at night. Rats are especially active at that time and they won’t mind having some wet dog food. We don’t advise leaving any kind of food outside at night.

Rodent proofing. In considering rodent proofing, you must know that:

  • Rats can climb the outside of vertical pipes up to 3 inches in diameter and any size if within 3 inches of a wall.
  • Rats can jump vertically 36 inches, horizontally 48 inches, and reach horizontally or vertically 15 inches.
  • Rats can jump 8 feet from a tree to a house if the branch is 15 feet above the roof. (Professor/extension entomologist Koehler and Kern, University of Florida)

Rat Identification. There are many types of rats and their cousins, mice, but only two types of rats which could be distinguished by their appearance and habitat are people’s main enemies:

  • If you see large rats which gather in trash cans, hang around your house, settle in the kitchen, basement or in your car, then most likely these are brown rats (a.k.a. common rats, street rats, Norway rats, sewer rats or super rats).
  • If smaller rats are seen running under the ceiling, in the attic, on the roof, then these likely are black rats (a.k.a. roof rats, ship rats or house rats). They are encountered less often than brown rats, but are just as irritating as they damage the wires and chew TV antennae. If these rats live outside, they damage crops. They are especially fond of cereals, citrus and other fruit; that’s why they are sometimes called the fruit rats.

Roof rat signs according to the University of Arizona, include smudge marks on surfaces from oil and dirt rubbing off their fur as they travel. Because of their propensity to climb, look for these smudges up high on structures, e.g. between rafters, as opposed to marks along walls near the floor which could be made by other rodent species. Because they are often living overhead, between floors or above false ceilings, there is less tendency to see signs of roof rat tracks, urine, and droppings.

It is thus most likely that your house is infested with the most populous brown rats. They cannot be exterminated in one day, but if you use the most effective means of getting rid of them (which are the same for all types of rats) and try not to let them into your house, you’ll be able to clean your place.

How to define: a rat or a mouse?

  • Entry holes left in the walls or floors by mice are smaller in diameter than those of rats (1½ inches in diameter for mice, 2 inches or larger for rats).
  • Mice and rats leave droppings along their runways, in feeding areas, and near shelter. Mouse droppings are usually about ¼ inch long, whereas those of rats typically are ¾ inch long. (Utah State University Extension Service and College of Natural Resources)

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68 thoughts on “How to Get Rid of Rats: 5 Best and Proven Ways. Is Repelling More Effective than Killing?”

  1. My mom who doesn’t have a laptop wants to know – how to get rid of rats in the garden? She tried to repel them but it was a fault (rats are smart, aren’t they?). She refuses to apply killing methods because she is too sensitive, but this situation came to a standstill

  2. That awkward moment when you purchased the house infested with rodents… How to get rid of rats for good? Do you thint that electronic traps is the most effective way?? These creaters are the worst neigbors in all my life, I don’t want to live with them here, please help

  3. Please tell what I have to do with rodents in walls? Is it possible to get rid of rats with electronic repellers? I can no longer stand this noise on nights

  4. All the time rodents create destruction in the home. Then someone suggested me to contact with the Texoma Pest Management. They has the team of specialists who can get rid of the rodents from the domestic areas.

  5. Neighbor put out rat poison.
    Both of our beautiful, healthy, wonderful cats died the same day. Yes, the rats got the poison. Yes, they wandered away. Which made them easy prey for our cats. Which are now dead.

  6. Hey, just wanted to add my 2 cents here.
    Guided by a benevolent neighbor i bought a “cheap” rat poison ($48+shipping). It was a bad investment; found 1 squirrel dead, 0 rats.
    Decided to try some traps, guess what !? Spent another $60 for 2 traps in vain. No rats were caught in almost a month, nevertheless rats became less and less shy, sometimes appearing in broad daylight.
    We have a bird feeder that is the most incentive for rats in our yard, and they started nesting beneath our shed wall.
    With our last hopes, we found an article online about a rat spray that was said to make miracles. We thought it was impossible that a $5 spray would do any good, but what the heck, we’ve place our order. In two days our package arrived, and in the next day the rats were gone.
    I don’t know how this worked, they were just gone. No dead bodies in sight, no bad smell from hidden dead rats, just gone. The spray has a pleasantly mint aroma, which seems the rat hates.

      1. please send me make of the spray that had a plesent mint smell I live in the uk will try to buy iy but I will be in usa in jan and will try to purchase. thank you.

          1. Rodent Sheriff did nothing to deter the ground hogs. Then I bought a device to put in the ground and supposed gave of some kind of electronic something (I don’t remember). I bought two the them. These didn’t work either. Now I have 2 rats living in my back yard. I just put out 4 boxes of mothballs, My backyard smells terrible. I used mothballs to keep cats from pooping in my flower bed in the past, and it worked great. I hope it deters rats also. I may have to call in a professional.

    1. this is note to “Andrei” message posted Saturday 11/12/16 please tell us the name of the spray you used to repel the rats you were having prolem with.

      thanks – Sydney Murff

    2. Hi could you please tell me the name of the spray and where you got it from as we are unindated with rats in our garage. Many thanks

    3. What’s the name of the rat spray? My dad has a horrible problem at his pigeon pens and now their killing his pigeons. We’ve tried everything else so would love to give this a try!

    4. I would like to know the name of the spray. Please help me I have small kids at home and I do not know what to do.

      1. One brand is called Rodent Sheriff. Has phone number of 866-881-1975 for distributor (Trisales Marketing LLC). Have not used this but it is supposed to have a ultra-strong mint formula that repels rats, mice, raccoons,and ants from flower beds and gardens. Spray around garbage cans, houses and garages. I have found that there are rats in my yard, and I feed the birds & squirrels so don’t want to use poisons. All of a sudden the number of squirrels diminish so think someone else may not worry about poisoning them. Hope it works!!!

      1. Its called rodent sheriff. Be sure to switch it up though as it is simply a deterrent/ repellent. They will figure out that it won’t harm them

  7. So I live in a apartment and have seen one really big rat we have set traps and nothing it runs under my refrigerator and we can’t get him out and we also don’t have food that he had got into can someone help me please I have small children and want this nasty thing gone

  8. I saw a spray name something like “Rodent Sheriff” and checked the ingredient list. It was peppermint oil, liquid dish soap (surfectant like Dawn liquid)and distilled water. Nothing else. Amounts were about 1% each of the oil and even less of the dish soap and lots of water. OK… I made my own and it worked to keep them at bay but it did not kill the rats we already had. I noticed that they did back off when I sprayed but were right back in a short time. I’m still trying to get results from poison blocks in traps. So far, not working.

  9. I am at the Extreme crossroads now of “Shooting” them in my house with 22 caliber Rodent shells. I Have Executed four so far. One is so big and Fast I thought it was a ground squirrel. I shot him four times and he stopped and gave me a dirty look So I took a bigger gun (Smith & Wesson .357 with Snake Loads)out of my safe. The “Sticky” traps work on the smaller Rats but are a waste of money on the larger ones, He ran across the floor with what looked like a Snowshoe on one foot, didn’t even slow him down so I could get a bead on him,and once he jumped through the “New” hole he made in my hallway it came off at the Entry. These things are Scary, I expect them to start shooting back any day now. Today I’m going to make up about 200 Saturated Peppermint Cotton balls. Wish me Luck.

    1. hey, i have the right steps – get extra strength Excedrin crushed and shredded cheese and mix it together with shavings from the decon bait blocks. they will be out of the way in 24hours. just make sure your not killing rabbits, squirrels etc

  10. chris hohenwald

    Hi guys.

    I have rats in the garden. I put out 3 traps. First night I got a big one. last night I got 2 much smaller (assuming babies). Does anyone know if the dad sticks around after they breed? I’m going to continue putting the traps out and see what happens. I hate this. It’s so gross, but it has to be done.

    1. hey, i have the right steps – get extra strength Excedrin crushed and shredded cheese and mix it together with shavings from the decon bait blocks. they will be out of the way in 24hours. just make sure your not killing rabbits, squirrels etc

  11. I always find it funny when peppermint comes up as a rat deterrent. The rats here live under and run through our peppermint plants. Poison has gotten a few. The dogs have gotten a few. And my .22 has a few to it’s name. Only problem with the 22….I have to see them to shoot them. I did see a homemade “repeating” rat trap I may have to make. Maybe that will be next on my list.

    1. For the .22, look at the pest control rounds, (LR CCI) which shoot like a shotgun shell, and will kill any rodents in the area, not just 1.

  12. There is a product out called RatX it is not poison and will not harm other animal or people and it works the only problem is you have to keep checking on it and it can not get wet

  13. I bought a online spray for all mice, rats, roaches and all you can think.. Cost 29.99$ well got 8 oz and did nothing..
    Not one spider or cricket much less a mouse.
    That’s crap..
    False advertising. ..

  14. We are having a problem with rats in the alley and now they are under my shed..how do i get rid of them..i dont want them in my house..help

  15. Please advise, how to kill a rat in the car? I’m afraid it will chew the wiring; I’ve seen it twice already. I’m scared to get into the car, what if it is crawling somewhere again.

    1. If you’ve only seen one rat, I think it would be simpler to use a classic bait trap or to find and leave some rat poison. Don’t forget to check afterwards, or you will have a hard time getting rid of the decaying odor. Use the type of poison that does not require feeding (it is usually cheaper).

      1. Rat could eat the poison and die in one of the dash vents… Tough to get to. And if it dies in the vent and you don’t get him out quick, the smell will permeate the entire dashboard. Good-bye resale value. LOL!
        Trap is best bet.

    2. When I googled how to kill a rat, I often encountered recommendations of using an electronic repeller. It does not have an expiry date and can be reused in future. Pick one that can be connected to a lighter or a battery-powered one. That’s how I’ve been able to remove a rat from under the hood. Hope this was useful.

  16. Rodents have infested my basement, and I can hear their scratches at night so loudly that I can’t sleep. I use electronic traps to kill rats, and I check them regularly because these sly beasts won’t enter a trap containing another dead rat. Lately they haven’t been too enthusiastic about the bait. What could be the matter?

  17. Here’s what has worked for me: Industrial strength ammonia. I poured the ammonia into old plastic containers & set them in the areas of my yard that I noticed rats were nesting. I cleaned up all the overgrown flower beds & potting storage areas to deter places for them to hide. I removed all the water, no more bird baths & removed the water trays under potted plants. I also used poison pellets which disappeared continuously for about 2 weeks. Repeat often or as needed.

  18. No poison! Not only can your cats die, but beautiful, endangered birds of prey die from eating rodents that have been poisoned. There are plenty of other choices. Plenty products online.

  19. I have the Hulk Hogan of rats. He has escaped 4 glue boards (leaving strips of fur behind), 2 traps, 3 different types of poison, 2 rounds of antifreeze soaked chicken, and even 2 rounds of chicken with an entire adderall pill mixed in. The straight amphetamine should have od’d the little sucker, but no such luck. I have now caught 7 of her little ones, but not her. I have GOT to get rid if it. (And yes, it’s the same one. Shes starting to look like Bruce Willis at the end of a Die Hard movie.)

    1. Thanks for the laugh ? I needed it. I understand your frustrations, I’m dealing with the same problem & I have spent so much money and still no luck. Did you settle the problem yet? If yes, please tell me how you did it or what you purchased. Thanks so much in advance.

  20. I live in a nice city. The southern most part hast slowly transformed- over about 12 years- to rental units. While I am clean/neat and care about my neighborhood, most of them do not. They are the rat problem. Dog feces in yards, unopened/ unbagged garbage, open sheds, etc.. Talking or pleading with them does no help. They usually respond with words which are not suitable to post here. We have a blight control officer- he does a good job but cannot keep up w/ the transitory population.

  21. I have used both repellent and killer methods. Although the repellent methods are easier since there is no contact with the rodents, it doesn’t work in the long run. The rats get used to the repellent, whether spray or ultrasonic. I have found that electric mouse traps work better. One, they are not messy and are instant. I would urge people to try it out.

  22. Catherine Williamson

    I have just located 2 dead rats in my house – followed the smell. I think my small dog was chasing them and I cannot see any evident signs of damage it just looks like they collapsed. I don’t think it could be fear of my dog he is only 5 kilos, but the little ones can be quite good at hunting vermin.
    I am wondering if strong disinfectant spray such as used for cockroaches would kill them. I am putting some baits out in case I see more.

  23. We have a vacant lot next to our home, that is overgrown with old grass and weeds. We are now seeing rats coming out of this area and feeding on clover in our yard. This evening we saw three adults, 4 half grown and two babies. What can we do? We have put a bait station out and the rats are strongly feeding ( bait is being consumed). Thank haven this is early summer. We need to get rid of these creatures before they find there way in to our house. Help, this field must be invested with rat

  24. JOPESTKIL KENYA

    You had a problem with mice or rats in your home definitely you will call pest management professional to get rid of these infestation problems. But how do you know for sure? Are those droppings you found under the cabinets old or new? Do those gnaw marks you just found mean that you have more rat infestation or mice, or are they from an old infestation? Examine the classic signs of rodents closely to determine whether you have a current or previous infestation in your home

  25. IF YOU POISON RATS YOU ARE ALSO POISONING THEIR NATURAL PREDATORS INCLUDING CATS.
    PLEASE TAKE A LITTLE TIME TO FIND OTHER METHODS!!

  26. How do i get rid of the rats that have visited my sofa im at my wits end my next move is to get rid of my expensive sofa?

  27. Method I use:
    5 gallon bucket half full of water
    peanut captain crunch let dissolve on surface
    safflower seeds on top.
    place a wooden furring strip from ground to top of bucket.

    try to remove any other sources for food

    killed three last night.

    rinse and repeat.

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