If you’ve ever had the misfortune of dealing with a rat infestation, you know how difficult it can be to get rid of them. Rats are sneaky, destructive creatures that are hard to catch and even harder to get rid of. If you’re dealing with a rat problem in your home, you may be wondering how exterminators get rid of rats in attics.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Exterminators have various methods to get rid of rats in attics, and which method they use will depend on the specific situation. However, there are some general steps that most exterminators will take when dealing with a rat infestation in an attic.
Let’s discuss them in detail.
1. Identification Of Infestation
The first step an exterminator will take is to identify the infestation. This includes looking for signs of rats, such as droppings, gnaw marks, and footprints. Exterminators will also usually set up traps to catch any rats that may be present.
2. Removal Of Debris
Once the infestation has been identified, the next step is to remove any debris that may be present in the attic. This includes anything that rats could use for shelters, such as old boxes or newspapers. This step is important because it will make it more difficult for rats to hide and breed.
3. Exterminate Through Traps
The next step is actually to exterminate the rats. This is usually done through the use of traps. There are various types of traps that can be used, and which one is best will depend on the specific situation. The most common type of trap is the snap trap, a simple device that catches rats by their necks when they step on it.
The types of traps that can be used include:
- Live Traps: Live traps capture rats alive so they can be released into the wild far away from your home. These traps work by luring the rat into a cage with bait and then closing the door behind them.
- Snap Traps: Snap traps are one of the most common traps used to catch rat species. They work by luring the rat into a trigger device with bait and then snapping it shut when they step on it, killing them instantly.
- Poisoned Bait: Poisoned bait is another method that can be used to kill rats. This involves using bait that has been laced with poison. The rat will eat the bait and die soon after. However, caution should be used when using this method, as it can also be dangerous to pets and children.
- Glue Boards: Glue boards are a trap that uses sticky adhesive to catch rats. The rat will get stuck to the board and then can be disposed of. This method is not as humane as some other methods, but it is effective.
4. Clean Up
The last step is cleaning up any remaining messes the rats may have left behind. This includes cleaning up droppings, gnaw marks, and any other damage they may have caused. It’s important to do this carefully so that you don’t spread any diseases the rats may have been carrying.
4. Sanitation And Prevention
Once the rats have been removed, it’s important to clean up any droppings or other evidence that may be present in the attic. This will help to prevent another infestation from occurring. Additionally, it’s important to take steps to prevent rats from getting into your attic in the first place. This includes sealing up any holes or cracks in the exterior of your home and keeping food and water sources away from the exterior of your home.
If you’re dealing with a rat problem in your attic, you must call an exterminator as soon as possible. Exterminators have a variety of methods they can use to get rid of rats, and they can also help clean up any messes that the rats may have left behind.
Also, they have the experience and knowledge needed to get rid of rats quickly and efficiently. They can also help you prevent future infestations by sealing up any entry points that rats could use to get into your attic. Taking quick action is important to prevent the infestation from getting worse.
Signs Of Rats Infestation
Some people may be unaware that they have a rat problem until they see one running across the floor. However, many signs of rat infestation can be found if you know what to look for. Here are some common signs of rats:
- Rat Droppings: Rats will leave droppings where they travel and nest. These droppings are usually black or dark brown in color and can be up to ½ an inch in size. If you find small, dark pellets around your home, it’s a good indication that you have a rat problem.
- Gnaw Marks: Rats need to gnaw on things to keep their teeth from getting too long. This often results in chewing on wires, wood, and other materials around your home. If you find gnaw marks, it’s a good sign that rats are present.
- Tracks: You may be able to see tracks in areas where rats have been traveling. These tracks will usually be small and close together.
- Burrows: Rats will often create burrows near their nest. These burrows can be found along with foundations, under bushes, or in piles of debris.
- Nests: Rats will create nests from materials like paper, insulation, or fabric. If you find a nest on your property, you likely have a rat infestation.
- Sounds: You may hear rats scurrying around your home at night. They also make vocal sounds so that you may hear squeaking, chattering, or gnawing noises from their nests.
- Sightings: Of course, one of the most obvious signs of rats is seeing them. If you see a rat in your home, there are likely more where that came from.
If you notice any of these signs of a rat infestation on your property, it’s important to take action immediately. Rats can cause a lot of damage to your home, and they can also spread diseases. If you think you have a rat problem, contact a pest control professional to come and assess the situation. They will be able to help you get rid of the infestation.
How To Prevent Rats from Entering Attic in the Future?
Some people don’t mind sharing their home with a few furry friends, but when those friends are rodents, it’s time to take action. Rats are unsightly and can also carry disease and damage your home. If you’ve recently had a rat problem in your attic, here are a few ways to prevent them from returning in the future.
1. Seal Any Cracks or Holes from Rats’
The first step in keeping rats out of your attic is to seal any cracks or holes they could use to get inside. Take a look at the exterior of your home and pay attention to any places where wiring or pipes enter the attic. These are common entry points for rats. If you see any cracks or holes, seal them with steel wool or caulk.
2. Keep Trees and Limbs Trimmed
If you have trees near your home, keep the branches trimmed. Rats are good climbers and can use tree limbs to get onto your roof. Once on the roof, they can easily find a way into your attic.
3. Keep Firewood and Debris Away from House
Another way rats can get onto your roof is by using firewood or other debris as a ladder. If you have firewood stored next to your house, move it to a new location further away. It would be best if you also cleaned up any debris in your yard that rats could use to climb onto your roof.
4. Store Food in Closed Containers
Rats are attracted to food, so it’s important to store all of your food in sealed containers. This includes both human food and pet food. If you have a bird feeder, ensure it’s inaccessible to rats. Otherwise, they may be tempted to climb up and get to the bird seed.
5. Contact a Rodent Control Professional
If you’ve tried all of these tips and still have problems with rats in your attic, it’s time to contact a rodent control professional. We can help identify any entry points that rats are using to get into your home and seal them off so rats can’t get inside.
Following these simple tips can help prevent rats from residing in your attic. If you have any concerns, contact a local pest control company to assess the situation and help you find a solution to eliminate rats and mouse droppings.
FAQs
Do Rats Leave The Attic During The Day?
No, rats typically do not leave the safety of their nest during the day. They are nocturnal creatures that are more active at night when they go foraging for food. If you see a rat during the daytime, it is probably because there is an abundance of food available.
How Do I Get Rid Of Rats In My Attic Naturally?
There are several ways that you can get rid of rats in your attic naturally. One way is to use snap traps which will kill the rats instantly. Another way is to use live traps and release the rats into an area where they will not be able to find their way back into your home. You can also try using natural repellents such as peppermint oil or citrus oils to keep the rats away.
How Long Does It Take To Get Rid Of Rats In Attic?
Getting rid of rats in an attic usually takes a few weeks. This is because it takes time for the rats to learn that they are no longer welcome in your home, and they will eventually move on to somewhere else.
Should I Put Rat Poison In My Attic?
No, it would be best if you did not put rat poison in your attic as this can be dangerous to other animals and children who may come into contact with it. If you use poison, make sure that it is placed in a secure bait station so that other creatures cannot access it.
What Do Rats Hate?
There are certain things that rats hate which can be used to deter them from your home. These include strong smells such as peppermint or citrus, loud noises, and bright lights.
Are Rats In Attic Common?
Unfortunately, yes. Rat population is attracted to attics because they provide a safe and warm environment for them to nest in. If you have an attic, it is important to take measures to prevent rats from getting inside.
How Many Rats Live Together?
Rats typically live in colonies of around 10-12 individuals. However, there have been cases of colonies consisting of up to 100 rats.
Can You Bomb Your House For Rats?
No, you should not bomb your house for rats as this can be dangerous and will not solve the problem in the long run. If you have a rat problem, it is best to call an exterminator who will be able to safely and effectively get rid of the rats.
Can Rats In Attic Make You Sick?
Yes, rats in the attic can make you sick as they can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. They can also cause damage to your home by gnawing on wiring and insulation. If you have roof rats in your attic, it is best to call an exterminator to get rid of them.
What’s The Most Effective Way To Get Rid Of Rats?
The best way to get rid of rats is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. This can be done by sealing up any cracks and holes outside your home, especially around entry points like windows, doors, and vents.
You can also keep food and garbage properly stored and sealed to avoid attracting rats. If you already have a rat problem, the most effective way to get rid of them is to call a professional exterminator. They will use baits and traps to kill the rats and then seal any remaining entry points to prevent new rats from coming in.
Conclusion
As you can see, getting rid of rats in your attic is no easy feat. It’s important to remember that rats in your attic can pose a serious threat to your property and your health. If you think you may have a problem, it’s best to contact our professional exterminators. We will be able to quickly and effectively get rid of the rats in your attic, keeping your home safe and rat-free. With our help, you can get rid of those pesky rats for good!
