Rats and mice can really wreak havoc on your property. They have a knack for gnawing on all sorts of building materials, like insulation, siding, wallboard, and even electrical wires. Plus, they’re not picky eaters—they’ll munch on whatever food you might have tucked away in your cupboards or pantry. 

If you accidentally consume food that’s been contaminated by these little critters, you could end up with a foodborne illness. And let’s not forget, diseases can spread if you get bitten by a rodent or come into contact with areas that are tainted with their urine or droppings.

So, how to get rid of rats and rodents from your home? Let’s discuss in detail. 

How Easy Is It to Find Rats and Rodents?

Rats and mice are pretty easy to spot, and they leave behind a lot of telltale signs. You might come across things like nesting materials, small dark brown droppings, or even bits of food they’ve nibbled on—think cereal boxes or fruit sitting out on the counter. 

You might also notice burrows in the soil outside. If your home is quiet, you could even hear them scurrying around in the walls, attics, or under the foundation, or munching on various materials.

Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Droppings (small and dark, often found in cabinets, under sinks, or near food sources)
• Scratching noises in walls or ceilings, especially at night
• Chewed wires or furniture
• Nests made of shredded paper or fabric
• Grease marks along baseboards or entry points
• Unusual pet behavior (pets may sniff or bark at certain areas)

Find Out Where They’re Getting In

Rats and mice are surprisingly good at squeezing through tiny spaces—mice can fit through holes as small as a dime, while rats can manage to get through openings the size of a quarter.

Here are some common entry points to watch out for:

• Gaps under doors
• Openings around pipes and utility lines
• Vents that lack screens
• Roof edges and eaves
• Cracks in foundations or walls

To keep your home safe, grab a flashlight and inspect both the inside and outside for any potential openings. Be sure to mark all the spots you find that could use some sealing!

Keep All Entry Points in Check

Keeping rodents out of your home is super important for long-term prevention. Here are some materials you can use:

• Steel wool or copper mesh (they just can’t chew through this stuff)
• Caulk or expanding foam (great for sealing holes when used with steel wool)
• Metal flashing for those bigger gaps
• Weather stripping for under doors and around windows

Make sure to seal everything up tight—because even the tiniest opening can lead to another infestation!

Food Sources: Get Rid of Them

Rodents often find their way indoors because they can easily access food and shelter. To make your home less inviting to them, consider these helpful tips:

• Store your food in airtight containers.
• Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
• Regularly empty your trash and use bins with secure lids.
• Keep the areas under your stoves, refrigerators, and pantries clean.
• Declutter storage spaces where rodents might want to nest.

Use Traps Effectively

Once you’ve sealed up those entry points and tidied up a bit, it’s time to set some traps for the rodents that are already lurking inside.

Types of Traps

Snap traps: These are the classic choice and work really well (just make sure to keep them away from pets and kids).

Electronic traps: They give a quick shock, are reusable, and keep things clean.

Live traps: A more humane option that lets you relocate the critters (just be sure to check your local laws before letting them go).

Glue boards: Not the best choice for humane or sanitary reasons.

Bait ideas:

• Peanut butter
• Chocolate
• Oats or grains
• Bacon (yes, you read that right)

Set your traps along walls, behind furniture, and in those dark corners—rodents tend to avoid open spaces.

Consider Rodenticides

Rodent poisons can be effective, but they should really be a last resort and handled with extreme caution. When rodents are poisoned, they might end up dying in hard-to-reach spots, leading to unpleasant odors. Plus, these poisons pose serious risks to children, pets, and wildlife.

If you choose to go the rodenticide route, here are some tips:

• Opt for bait stations instead of loose pellets.
• Stick to all safety guidelines.
• Keep an eye on things regularly.

Call a Professional Exterminator

If you’re dealing with a big infestation or it just won’t go away despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in the experts. A licensed pest control technician can:

• Pinpoint nesting areas.
• Get rid of the entire rodent population.
• Provide long-term exclusion services.
• Use commercial-grade tools and poisons more effectively and safely.

Sometimes, this is the best option when DIY methods just aren’t cutting it.

How To Prevent Future Infestations?

Once you’ve successfully evicted the rodents, the next step is to make sure they don’t come back. Prevention strategies include:

• Checking your home seasonally for new gaps or holes.
• Keeping your yard neat—trim those shrubs and avoid stacking wood against your house.
• Using rodent-repellent scents like peppermint oil or ammonia in problem areas.
• Storing firewood and compost bins far from the house.

Rodents are clever little creatures, so staying proactive is essential for a rodent-free home.

Natural Remedies and Repellents: Do They Work?

Some folks like to try natural repellents before resorting to traps or poisons. While these might not be effective for serious infestations, they can help keep those pesky rodents at bay initially.

Here are some popular natural deterrents:

• Peppermint oil: Its strong scent can deter rodents—just apply it on cotton balls near entry points.
• Vinegar: It has a strong odor, but it doesn’t last long.
• Used cat litter: The scent of predators can make mice think twice about entering.
• Ultrasonic repellents: These get mixed reviews—some swear by them, while others see no difference.

Think of natural deterrents as part of a broader prevention strategy rather than relying on them alone.

Also Read: What Chemical Kills Snakes Instantly?

FAQs About Getting Rid of Rats and Rodents

1. How long does it take to get rid of rats?

With traps and sealing, a mild infestation can be handled in 1–2 weeks. Severe infestations may take longer or require professional help.

2. Are rats more dangerous than mice?

Yes—rats are generally larger, more destructive, and more likely to carry serious diseases.

3. Can rats climb walls or enter through the roof?

Absolutely. Rats are excellent climbers and can enter homes through roof vents, chimneys, and tree branches touching the roof.

A Multi-Step Approach Works Best

Getting rid of rats and rodents isn’t about using just one solution—it’s about using a multi-pronged strategy: sealing up entry points, removing food sources, setting traps, and keeping your home unwelcoming to pests.

Whether you’re dealing with a single mouse or a hidden nest of rats, early action and consistent prevention will give you the best chance at long-term relief.

Stay vigilant, stay clean, and don’t hesitate to call in help if needed—because when it comes to rats, it’s better to act sooner rather than later.