How to Eliminate Outdoor Rats
Just because you haven't seen a rat inside your house, it doesn't mean that they are not running around outside. Rats can be very destructive in gardens and contaminate the food that they don't eat. If you notice rats in areas around your home, you may want to get rid of them before they try to get inside. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pruning shears
- Talcum powder
- Hardware cloth, sheet metal or concrete
- Snap traps or glue boards
- Peanut butter
- Owl nest box
Instructions
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If you have rats in your yard, it's because you are providing a habitat and food for them. Clear away any ivy that in which they like to hide in and make sure there is no fruit coming falling from trees. Remove any pet food bowls as rats are attracted to it and eat any leftovers and crumbs. If you have bird feeders, get rid of them too.
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Check to see if there are any tree limbs that are touching your roof, as rats will use them. Look for any wipe marks on your house. Rats leave greasy, dirty marks on the trails they use often, so you can figure out what trail they are using. You can also sprinkle talcum powder around and check the next morning for any foot marks.
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Make sure there is no way for the rats to get into your house. Any vent with a torn screen could be a sign that the rats are in your roof. Use hardware cloth, sheet metal or concrete to cover any exposed holes that the rats can use to enter the house.
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Rats are very weary of traps and if one is unlucky enough to get trapped, then the rest will steer clear, so use several different types of traps like basic snap traps or glue boards. When setting a trap you can use the same food that they have been eating around your yard, although peanut butter is also very effective.
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Lastly, encourage owls to come to your yard by putting up a nest box. Other predatory birds that feed on rats are hawks.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
