Rats are not only an unpleasant sight in the home, but they can also pose serious health and safety risks. Whether you’re dealing with small house rats or large roof rats, their presence can lead to property damage, food contamination, and even diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to eliminate them and keep them away for good. In this blog, we’ll discuss the best ways to get rid of rats at home, fast solutions, home remedies, and when it’s time to call in a professional pest control service.

Important Things to Know About How to Get Rid of Rats at Home

Before you dive into getting rid of rats, it’s important to understand a few basics about their behaviour. Rats are nocturnal, so you might not see them during the day, but they leave behind telltale signs like droppings, gnaw marks, or strange noises in walls or ceilings at night.

They’re attracted to food, water, and shelter. If your home offers easy access to any of these, rats will likely find a way in. Common entry points include cracks in walls, broken vents, and gaps around doors and windows.

To effectively get rid of rats at home, it’s essential to start with prevention:

Seal all entry points using steel wool or caulk.
Store food in airtight containers.
Clean up crumbs, spills, and garbage promptly.
Trim shrubs and branches that touch the house to prevent rats from accessing the roof or upper floors.
Implementing these basic prevention steps alongside rat control services when necessary can help maintain a rat-free home.

How to Get Rid of Rats from the House Fast

If you’re dealing with an active rat infestation, speed is crucial. Here are some fast-acting strategies:

Use Snap Traps: They are one of the most effective tools for catching rats quickly. Place them in areas where you’ve seen signs of rat activity, such as behind appliances or near baseboards.

Electronic Rat Traps: These offer a modern, mess-free way to eliminate rats with a high-voltage shock. They are reusable and easy to use.

Rodent Baits and Poison: These can be effective, but they must be used with extreme caution–especially in homes with pets or small children. It’s usually best to let a licensed pest control company handle chemical solutions safely.

Call a Pest Control Service: If the infestation is beyond DIY methods, the quickest and most reliable option is to contact a local pest control expert. They can inspect your property, identify problem areas, and use commercial-grade solutions to eliminate rats quickly and thoroughly.

How to Get Rid of Rats in the House Using Home Remedies?

For those who prefer natural alternatives or want to try a few things before turning to professional help, several home remedies can help deter rats:

Peppermint Oil: Rats dislike the strong smell of peppermint. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them in rat-prone areas like pantries, cabinets, and under sinks.

Onions and Garlic: The pungent smell of these kitchen staples can repel rats. However, be cautious using onions if you have pets, as they can be toxic to dogs and cats.

Ammonia Solution: Mix water and ammonia (1:1 ratio) and place the mixture in small open containers around your home. Rats find the smell offensive and are likely to avoid it.

Baking Soda: This is one of the more aggressive natural remedies. When consumed by rats, it produces gas they cannot expel, leading to death. Mix baking soda with peanut butter or sugar to attract them.

Steel Wool: Although not a detergent, it’s an essential tool for blocking holes and entryways since rats can’t chew through it.

While these remedies can be helpful for small infestations or prevention, larger problems often require more aggressive intervention from a professional rodent control service.

Conclusion

Getting rid of rats in the house–whether small or large–requires a combination of cleanliness, prevention, and the right treatment strategy. For fast and lasting results, especially during an active infestation, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted pest control service near you. With expert knowledge, advanced tools, and safe treatment methods, pest control professionals can restore your home to a rat-free zone quickly and efficiently.

Whether you’re using traps, home remedies, or professional help, staying proactive is key. Regular inspections and timely action can ensure that your home remains safe, clean, and rodent-free all year long.

Effective Ways to Eliminate Small and Large Rats from Your Home