How to Get Rid of Rats in an Old House
Rats can find even the smallest entryway into an old home and eventually take up residence where they can. As more rats invade the home, the home becomes inhabitable for humans. The old house will need to be rid of the rats without using poisoning, which will cause the rats to die somewhere in the house and decompose in inaccessible areas. Getting rid of rats in an old house requires prevention and attack on the rat population. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Face mask
- Gloves
- Boots
- Wood
- Caulk
- Rubber seals
- Shingles
- Chimney screen
- Window glass
- Weather stripping
Instructions
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Wear a face mask before entering an old house suspected of having rat infestation. Rat urine and droppings disintegrate and can become airborne with dust particles. These particles can be inhaled and cause many health problems including Hantavirus, which can be fatal. Wear gloves and high boots to protect legs and feet.
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Remove food, water and materials from the house that rats use for nesting, such as cloth and insulation. Any sources of food and water must be removed before trapping rodents. Remove any furniture, such as sofas and chairs, with batting and foam cushions.
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Examine the foundation on the exterior of the house for cracks, holes or entryways into the house where the siding meets the foundation. Look for areas where wires enter the house, which may provide a way for rats to enter. Rats can use even the smallest hole for entry. Seal these passages with caulk, wood and rubber seals to prevent rats from entering.
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Remove wood piles, garbage and overgrown weeds and shrubs from around the foundation of the old house.
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Check roofs for holes and entryways into the house. Add a chimney screen if the chimney doesn't already have one on top and patch any holes in the roof with shingles. Inspect windows for any opening that could allow rats to enter. Repair window openings with new wood or glass, if needed.
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Inspect doorways and outdoor basement cellar doors for possible rat access points. If there are small openings, repair them with wood or weather stripping, or replace the doors with new ones.
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Place enough rat traps throughout the old house to catch as many rats as possible. Apply a small amount of peanut butter to the trap to attract rats and set the snap. Position the trap in dark areas, such as closets, basements, attics, hallways and kitchens.
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Check the rat snap traps daily. Use gloves to dispose of the rats in the garbage. Reset the traps after each use. As long as you are catching rats, keep the traps baited and in place until you no longer have rats in the traps for one full week.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
