Humane Rat Removal

You can humanely remove rats without killing them.

Rodent and rat infestations can dishearten homeowners and cause serious property damage. To get rid of rats, you don't have to use traditional snap or glue traps, that kill or cruelly injure them. There are many less violent ways to remove rats from your home -- while you humanely deter new rats from taking up residence.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool
• Peppermint soap or peppermint oil
• Rat deterrent tablets
• Humane live traps

Instructions

1. Locate places where rats may be feeding or living. Telltale signs include bite marks or holes in food packaging and wires. If you find piles of leaves, trash, feces and other debris -- rats may be nesting in that location. Remove the nest and feces, and clean the area with disinfectant.

2. Plug any holes in walls, doors or pipes, where rats may be entering the building. Use steel wool because rats can't chew through it easily.

3. Keep your home free of open food containers, crumbs or loose packaging.Never leave food out in the open, where rats can access it easily. If you remove the food source, you can discourage rats from foraging. Store your food in glass or heavy plastic containers, to hide the scent.

4. Clean your home with peppermint scented soap or peppermint oil, as rats dislike the smell. You can also buy chemical rat deterrents that will keep rats away.

5. Place humane live traps where you suspect the rats may be, and bait them with peanut butter or other food. These traps encourage the rat to enter them, and then contain the pest without injury.

References

• Orkin: Humane Rat Control
• Re-nest: Humane Rodent Control