No one wants rats in their home. These sneaky little pests chew on wires, damage walls, and leave behind droppings that can spread germs. In Washington State, rats can be a big problem, especially when it gets cold outside. If you’re hearing scratching noises in your attic or seeing small black droppings around your house, it’s time to take action. While there’s plenty you can do yourself, sometimes it’s best to call a pest service that’s licensed to make sure the job is done safely and completely.
Here’s a simple guide to help you spot, stop, and get rid of rats for good.
1. Know What You’re Dealing With
Not every little critter is a rat. Sometimes it could be a squirrel or a mouse. Rats are bigger than mice, and their droppings are larger too. There are two main types of rats in Washington:
- Norway rats: These are big and like to live under your home or in basements.
- Roof rats: These are smaller and like to climb. They often live in attics or trees.
If you see gnaw marks, greasy smudge trails, or droppings, you might have rats.
2. Find the Nest and Rat Activity
Rats don’t like being out in the open. They build nests in quiet, dark places like crawlspaces, behind walls, or in piles of junk. Look for:
- Rat droppings
- Chew marks on wood or plastic
- Shredded paper or fabric
Even if you can’t find the nest, spotting signs of activity will help you figure out where to put traps.
3. Remove Food and Water
Rats love easy meals. Take away their food and water so they have no reason to stay.
- Store pet food in sealed containers
- Clean up spills and crumbs right away
- Fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets
- Keep garbage cans sealed tight, inside and outside
Rats only need a tiny bit of food to survive. So even small messes can keep them coming back.
4. Block Their Way In
Rats can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter! Walk around your house and look for places they could sneak in.
- Seal cracks in walls, doors, and windows
- Use wire mesh or steel wool to block small holes
- Trim tree branches near your roof
- Remove climbing vines from the side of your house
Stopping them from getting in is one of the best ways to prevent future problems.
5. Set Traps
Traps are a great way to catch rats already inside your home. You can use:
- Snap traps: Fast and effective
- Live traps: Catch rats without killing them
- Glue traps: Not recommended, they’re messy and not very kind
Use bait like peanut butter, bacon, or apples. Place traps near walls, behind appliances, or anywhere you’ve seen droppings. Check traps every day and handle them carefully.
Tip: Keep traps away from kids and pets!
6. Clean Up the Yard
Rats love places to hide. If your yard is messy, it might be the perfect home for them.
- Cut back overgrown shrubs and grass
- Move woodpiles and compost bins away from your house
- Keep trash and recycling bins closed tightly
- Check unused vehicles or RVs, they make cozy nests
Also, get rid of any standing water in bird baths, puddles, or garden buckets.
7. Think Twice About Poison
There are poisons called rodenticides that can kill rats. But be very careful. These can also hurt pets or other animals if used the wrong way. If you’re thinking about using poison, it’s safest to call a professional who knows how to use it properly with tamper-proof bait stations.
8. Call a Pro If You Need Help
Rats are smart, and sometimes getting rid of them on your own is hard. If you’ve tried everything and they’re still around, don’t wait. A pest control expert can inspect your home, set traps in hard-to-reach places, and help keep rats from coming back.
Rats don’t belong in your home. With the right steps, like removing food, sealing up entry points, and setting traps, you can protect your house and your health. Stay alert, act fast, and don’t be afraid to get help when you need it.
