Rats are long-tailed rodents belonging to the Muridae family. They are known to be commensal animals as they typically live in contact with humans, to take advantage of food and shelter, especially in densely populated areas. Rats can eat your food, destroy objects in your home, ignite electrical fires and transmit disease. There are several methods of trapping them: you can use snap or glue traps to catch them yourself, or you can hire an exterminator to do it for you. Use the tips below to learn how to catch rats.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a trap type
There are several traps that can be used for rats, most can be purchased at hardware stores in different sizes.
- Use a snap trap. In the opinion of pest control experts, traditional snap traps are effective for trapping rats. If you decide to use this trap, buy one of the right size for your prey. Snap traps are available in two sizes: large and small. If the rats you are trying to catch are larger than your hand, use large traps.
- Use glue traps, which consist of sticky paper to trap prey. Rats get stuck on the trap when they walk over it. Like snap traps, these are also available in different sizes. Choose a large glue trap to catch large rats.
- Use a wire mesh cage. Put a bait in the trap, the rat will enter the cage in search of the bait and will remain trapped. Use any type of food as bait.
Step 2. Determine where to place the traps
Set traps in places where you know you will find rats. Rats commonly live in utility passages, in the thickness of insulation between walls and attics, under cupboards and counters, behind bathtubs, near ovens or water heaters, and in closets, such as cellars and attics. Look for rat droppings to confirm where they are present in your home or office.
Step 3. Call an exterminator
If you don't want to catch rats on your own, you can contact an exterminator who will do it for you.
- Look for information on the pest control company before making an appointment. Check if the pest control company belongs to the A. N. I. D. (National Association of Disinfestation Companies) and if there have been any complaints about the company in question. Request a list of old customers that you can contact to determine if the company was efficient in pest control.
- Tell the company your name and address, explaining the nature of the problem related to rats and ask what type of service is offered. Know the price before committing to a contract.
- Determine what type of traps or method of elimination will be used by the company. Most pest control companies offer a range of solutions including mechanical traps, Kill and Seal traps, ultrasonic repellents and rodent poisons.
