Norway Rat

Norway Rat–Control

The best way to keep Norway Rats under control is to adopt a comprehensive approach. This involves using several methods together to maximize their effectiveness. To keep rats from gaining entry into your home, try this proactive, three-step routine: trap, repel, and monitor.

Trap

The first step to effectively controlling Norway Rats is to deploy traps. There are two types of rat traps commonly used for rodent control: Snap Traps and Electronic Traps.

The most important technique for effective trapping is good trap placement. Be sure to place traps in areas where you’ve seen signs of high rodent activity. Statistics show that more rodents are trapped on the first night than on any other night. For this reason, it is essential to use a large number of traps initially. Some rats are harder to catch and are Neophobic or "extra cautious" of new objects that suddenly appear in their environment. Be a step ahead of these cautious pests by placing rat traps out, leaving them baited but unset for a couple days before finally setting the traps.

Repel

The second step for efficacious rat control is deploying repellents. Ultrasonic rat repellers are an effective method of controlling rats. These devices emit high frequency sound waves with a non-repetitive pattern to prevent rodents from becoming used to the sound. Ultrasonic frequencies do not travel between walls, so ultrasonic units need to be placed in multiple rooms. Scent repellents use scents that rats find unpleasant or overpowering, such as peppermint oil, to naturally drive rats away.

It's crucial to note that using repellents alone won't control an established infestation. Instead, they should be used alongside traps, sanitation, and rodent-proofing efforts. Once the infestation is under control, continue using repellents to prevent rats from returning.

Monitor

Lastly, monitor your home to prevent rats from returning. Rodent populations will continue to increase with easy access to food and shelter. Use sanitation efforts in conjunction with rodent proofing to reduce or eliminate these conditions. It only requires one poorly managed property for a colony of rats to take over the neighborhood. Deploy traps to monitor for signs of new infestations so you can act before the problem becomes more serious.

Exclude rats by sealing off openings to your home. Rats only need an opening of ½" (or the size of a nickel) to gain entry. In addition, careful storage of foods and elimination of clutter are valuable steps in the control of rats. Easy food sources include garbage, outdoor dog pens, vegetable gardens, compost piles, or bird feeders.