Controlling Rats and Mice - A Guide to Preventing Infestations (2024)

FAQs

Controlling Rats and Mice - A Guide to Preventing Infestations? ›

Avoiding rodent problems

Dispose of food scraps promptly and clean food preparation areas thoroughly. them where possible with concrete, hard setting filler, steel wool or heavy gauge sheet metal. Ensure rubbish bins have tight-fitting lids and are regularly emptied. Keep your home and property clear of rubbish.

Avoiding rodent problems

Dispose of food scraps promptly and clean food preparation areas thoroughly. them where possible with concrete, hard setting filler, steel wool or heavy gauge sheet metal. Ensure rubbish bins have tight-fitting lids and are regularly emptied. Keep your home and property clear of rubbish.

Rodents such as rats and mice can spread disease to humans and destroy property. Disease can be spread to humans by an infected flea bite, or by direct contact with infected rodents, their urine, feces, or nests.

Simple Rodent Control Tips

Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including areas where utilities and pipes enter the home, using caulk, steel wool or a combination of both. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly.

Discourage rats and mice from taking up residence on your property by removing food and water sources, and items that can provide them shelter: Seal holes inside and outside the home to keep rodents out. This may be as simple as plugging small holes with steel wool, or patching holes in inside or outside walls.

The best way to get rid of rats or mice is by using traps. If using spring loaded traps for rats, bait three of them in a row without setting them. Bait with dried fruit, peanut butter mixed with oats, or cheese.

Pest control is the most efficient method to get rid of rats quickly but the usage of mouse traps, snap traps, chemical baits, and live traps are all effective methods to get rid of rats as quickly and effectively as possible.

Eucalyptus oil

It has been proven to have strong repellent effects against rodents. It can significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation when applied around the house.

Does vinegar repel mice and rats? ›

Vinegar works by masking smells and oils which will deter mice and rats from entering an area or chewing on any material. However, it needs to be used with other methods since vinegar by itself will not keep rodents away from your home.

Close any gaps and holes in the wall

Look carefully for gaps or holes large enough in the walls through which rats may access your home. Immediately cover all holes in the wall using stainless steel wire and tape (water, cement, and sand) to prevent rats from entering the home.

Due to the rodents natural sensory systems Rats are highly sensitive animals that can be deterred by even the slightest potent scent. Like many essential oils, peppermint not only contains an extremely powerful aroma, but also a distinct freshness that rats in particular tend to despise.

Keeping Rats Under Control

Help yourself and your neighbors by keeping trash picked up and placed in covered, rat-resistant containers. Promptly remove or repair any shelter areas, such as fences and old appliances. Periodically check for new entry holes into neighborhood buildings, and seal them up quickly.

The two best ways to remove rats are traps or poison. The use of either requires caution! Traps. Choose wooden base snap traps, and enlarge the traps by fastening a 2-inch square of cardboard to each trigger.

Essential oils that may be helpful in repelling rats and mice include peppermint oil, lemon oil, citronella oil, and eucalyptus oil.