If you’ve tried some of the common pest control myths and they weren’t successful, it may be time for a change. Here are a few tips on how to overcome your rat problem with success.
Rats can enter our homes through cracks in the walls or by traveling away from sight. Once inside, rats create an infestation which is difficult to eliminate.
1. Mothballs
Mothballs are a common DIY method for getting rid of rats. While their fumes may act as an effective deterrent, research has revealed that this approach is ineffective.
Rats and other rodents do not enjoy the smell of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, the active chemicals in mothballs. Therefore, they will try to avoid them. Furthermore, inhaling these fumes can have serious health effects.
They can cause serious harm to children and pets if ingested. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and breathing difficulties.
Mothballs are considered pesticides and must be handled carefully to avoid legal trouble. That is why they should never be left out in the open or stored in areas where people or animals might be tempted to inhale them.
2. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has been used as a non-toxic deterrent against rats since World War 2, and it is renowned for repelling mice and other rodents from homes, barns, outbuildings, granaries, grain storage areas, food processing plants and many other environments.
Research has demonstrated the therapeutic effects of peppermint essential oil when combined with other essential oils. Rats find this scent particularly pleasing, due to their highly sensitive sensory systems.
Peppermint oil can be added to a DIY pest spray to deter rodents and insects from entering your home. It can also be applied on cotton balls and placed strategically around the house.
3. Staging rat poison
Rat poison is a commonly used pest control solution to eradicate rats and mice from homes. While it’s an effective method, it should only be employed as a last resort when other methods have failed.
Rat baits that contain toxic chemicals, such as calcium releasers, acute toxins and anticoagulants, can be highly toxic and pose severe risks to people, animals and pets alike. Unfortunately, these rodenticides have the potential for causing severe health issues in people, animals and pets alike.
Acute toxins are poisons that enter the body quickly, causing vomiting, lethargy and organ dysfunction. They have the potential to do great harm if left unchecked in the system.
Another type of poison, bromethalin, damages the central nervous system of rodents and eventually results in death.
Poisoned baits come in various forms, from pellets and seeds to powder that mixes into water or paraffin blocks. They work by drawing rodents to the bait station and slowly killing them off.
4. Sprays
Rat repellents, whether applied through a spray bottle or placed in small, confined spaces, are effective when used correctly. Scents such as peppermint, chili powder, eucalyptus, citronella and sagebrush all contain enough power to keep rats away from areas they shouldn’t be.
Furthermore, these repellents may act as appetite suppressants that prevent rats from seeking out food and water. It’s essential to note that rat repellents work best when combined with other prevention strategies like exclusion.
Rodent control begins with blocking off potential access points with metal mesh and wood. Furthermore, trimming tree limbs that may hang over the structure as well as capping vents are effective ways to keep rats away from your property.