How to Get Rid of Rats in a Grill

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Snap traps or plastic treadle traps

  • Bait

Rats could contaminate infested areas with their urine and droppings.

There are several ways to get rid of rats, but you should take extra precautions when the rodents appear in a grill. Repellents that promise to emit unpleasant odors or tastes to keep rats away usually don't work effectively. Some methods utilize poison that could harm humans and other animals. According to the University of California's pest management guide, trapping presents the safest and most effective method for rat control. It is suitable for a food preparation area like a grill.

Advertisement

Step 1

Prepare bait such as nuts, dried fruit or bacon, recommends the University of California.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Use a thin string, thread, wire or glue to attach the bait to the trigger of the trap.

Step 3

Place several traps in the grill and other infested areas, leaving about 10 to 20 feet between traps. You can identify infested areas by checking for droppings, gnawings and other damage. You can also place traps in natural travel ways such as along walls so the rats will cross over the trigger of the trap.

Advertisement

Step 4

Place dead rats in sealed plastic bags and put them in the trash.

Step 5

Clean the grill thoroughly one week after the last rat is trapped. This allows time for infectious materials in the rats' urine or droppings to become inactive. Ventilate the grill for 30 minutes, then clean and disinfect the grill and the surrounding area.

Tip

Leave baited traps outside without setting them until the rats have taken the bait at least once. This improves trapping success by getting the rats to become familiarized with the traps.

Warning

Don't touch rats with bare hands, because they might transmit diseases.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references