Have a Rat in Your House? Here's How to Catch It
If you’ve noticed signs of a rat in your house—like rat droppings, scratching noises, or chewed food packaging—you’ll want to act fast. Rats multiply quickly, and one rodent can turn into a full-blown rat infestation before you know it.
Catching a rat requires more than just setting a trap and hoping for the best. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help homeowners trap rats and prevent them from coming back.
Key Takeaways
- Norway rats stay low, while roof rats climb high, so knowing the type helps you place traps correctly.
- Rats leave behind droppings, gnaw marks, grease stains, and scratching noises, so look for these signs in your home.
- Snap traps with peanut butter work best, and placing traps along walls and near droppings helps catch rats faster.
- If rats keep coming back, seal small holes, store food properly, remove clutter, fix leaks, or call a professional.
1. Identify the Type of Rat in Your Home
Before setting traps, it helps to know which kind of critter you’re dealing with. The most common household rats are:
Norway rats (brown rats) tend to stay at ground level, often burrowing in basements, crawl spaces, and along walls. On the other hand, roof rats (black rats) are agile climbers who prefer higher spaces, like attics and rafters.
Knowing where they nest can help you with trap placement.
2. Look for Signs of Rat Activity
Rats leave behind clues, so check these areas for signs of an infestation:
- Small, dark, and pellet-shaped rat droppings around food sources, in cabinets, or along walls.
- Gnaw marks on wires, furniture, and food packaging.
- Grease marks along walls and baseboards.
- Scratching noises at night in attics, walls, or ceilings.
3. Choose the Best Rat Traps
There are several types of traps available to control rat populations, but some are more effective than others. Snap traps are the best rat traps for quickly catching and killing rats. Brands like Victor snap traps are highly effective.
If you prefer a humane approach, live traps allow you to catch and release rats far from your home. Another option is to use glue traps, though they don’t always kill rats instantly and can be inhumane.
Meanwhile, bait stations hold poisoned bait but are not recommended for indoor use because poisoned rats can die in hidden spaces, leading to odors.
4. Select the Best Bait
Rats are drawn to foods high in protein and fat, making bait selection crucial.
Peanut butter is one of the best bait options due to its strong scent and sticky texture. Dog food or pet food is another effective choice since rats often steal it when left out overnight.
Nuts and seeds work well because of their high fat content, while fruits and vegetables are a good option for roof rats.
5. Pre-Bait Traps (Optional)
Pre-baiting is an effective method for trap-shy rats. Here’s how:
- Place bait on an unset trap for a few days.
- Let the rat get used to feeding from the trap without it snapping.
- Once the rat is comfortable, set the trap with fresh bait.
This method increases your chances of successfully catching rats.
6. Place Traps in the Right Locations
Placing traps in the right spots is just as important as choosing the right bait.
Set traps perpendicular to walls with the bait side facing the wall, as rats tend to follow these paths. If you find rat droppings or gnaw marks, place traps nearby.
For scratching noises in attics or crawl spaces, position traps in those areas. Always keep them away from pets and children to prevent accidents.
The more traps you use, the faster you'll catch the rats.
7. Check Rodent Traps Daily and Re-Bait as Needed
Check traps daily and wear gloves when handling them to protect yourself from the bacteria they carry. Remove any dead rats immediately and clean up by disinfecting the trap and surrounding area.
If a trap hasn’t caught anything after a few days, try re-baiting it with fresh bait or moving it to a different spot for better results.
How to Prevent Future Rat Problems
Catching rats is only part of the solution to rodent control—keeping them out for good is just as important.
- Inspect your home for holes as small as ¼ inch.
- Seal entry points by blocking gaps with steel wool, using caulk for small cracks, and covering vents with wire mesh.
- Install door sweeps to stop rats from squeezing under doors.
- Store food in sealed containers, including pet food.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Clear out clutter like cardboard and debris where rats can hide.
- Fix leaks to eliminate water sources that attract rats.
- Use natural rat repellents to deter them with scents they hate.
Keep Rats Out of Your Home with Professional Help
If you’re struggling to trap Norway or roof rats or notice signs of rodent activities, professional exterminators may be necessary.
At Native Pest Management, our pest control services include:
- Thorough inspections to find entry points and nesting areas.
- Expert trap placement to catch rats quickly.
- Exclusion services to prevent rats from returning.
- Sanitation services to remove rat droppings and odors.