Dealing with rats can be a challenging and unpleasant task, whether they are invading your home or garden. Not only are rats repulsive to many individuals, but they also have the ability to transmit diseases. However, there are effective methods to exterminate these pests, and this article will explore some of those methods.
Eliminating rats – what to consider when employing rat traps
The Institute for Pest Research suggests using traps as a means of combating rats. There are two types of traps: snap traps, which exterminate the animals, and live traps. When using traps, it is crucial to monitor them daily to ensure the welfare of the captured animals. Live traps should also be equipped with water and food for the rats.
The rat fails to enter the trap – what can assist now
The main challenge in rat extermination is when the rats refuse to enter the trap. If hunting rats becomes futile, there are measures that may prove helpful. The Federal Office for the Environment emphasizes the importance of placing rat traps along their pathways. These pathways can be found under furniture or shelves inside the house, and on walls or in sheltered corners outside. A useful trick for snap traps is to initially place them without setting them for a few days. This allows the rats to become accustomed to the trap and increases the likelihood of them falling into it.
Live trap for brown rats
The key to successfully catching rats lies in choosing the right bait. Bacon, cheese, and bread often prove to be ineffective baits. However, amateur gardeners have found that commercially available walnut and nougat cream reliably helps in capturing these creatures. Walnut cream, peanut butter, or nougat cream are recommended baits for rat traps in the garden.
Driving away rats – these methods are effective in preventing rodent infestation
Animal welfare advocates recommend preventing rats from entering the house or garden in the first place, rather than trying to combat them afterward. The nature protection association provides some advice for preventing rats:
- Using turpentine is effective in repelling rats, as they have a keen sense of smell. Placing a cloth soaked in turpentine in front of their burrow should deter them.
- Vinegar or vinegar essence can also have the same effect as turpentine.
- Installing grilles on basement windows and drainage covers can help keep rats out.
- Keeping vegetation short will minimize potential shelters for rats. Remove trash, stray toys, or wood whenever possible.
Fighting rats – experts warn against using rodenticides
To prioritize nature and animal welfare, the usage of rodenticides is strongly discouraged. The Institute for Pest Research highlights the dangers that rat poisons pose to humans and domestic animals. Products containing toxic substances like brodifacoum, flocoumafen, or difethialone should not be used if there are children or pets in the vicinity. Additionally, these products are harmful to aquatic organisms and are difficult to biodegrade in nature. Rats subjected to these poisons would die slowly and painfully.
Baking soda and other grandmother’s remedies against rats – these prove ineffective
Using baking soda as a remedy against rats is not advisable. Unlike its effectiveness against ants, baking soda is not potent enough to reliably kill rats. Instead, it inflicts suffering upon them. Other recommended spices and devices, such as sound and vibration generators, tend to be ineffective as well. Individuals who struggle to overcome their rat problem should consider seeking the assistance of a pest controller.
