Got Rats? How to Get Rid of Rats in Your House Quickly

You’re watching a movie, popcorn in hand, and out of the corner of your eye—zip!—something darts across the living room floor. Not your kid. Not the dog. A rat.

Yup, rats don’t knock before entering. But once they’re in, they can chew wires, ruin food, and bring a not-so-cozy apocalypse to your pantry. The good news? You can reclaim your space. And no, you don’t need to hire a guy in a hazmat suit… unless you really want to.

Here’s how to get rid of rats in the house using practical DIY solutions that actually work.

Let’s set the scene. You’re watching a movie, popcorn in hand, and out of the corner of your eye—zip!—something darts across the living room floor. Not your kid. Not the dog. A rat.

Yup, rats don’t knock before entering. But once they’re in, they can chew wires, ruin food, and bring a not-so-cozy apocalypse to your pantry. The good news? You can reclaim your space. And no, you don’t need to hire a guy in a hazmat suit… unless you really want to.

Here’s how to get rid of rats in the house using practical DIY solutions that actually work.

How Do You Know It’s Rats?

First, let’s make sure you’re not mistaking your teenager’s midnight snacking for rodent activity. Signs you’ve got rats include:

• Droppings (small, dark, and pellet-shaped)

• Scratching noises in walls or ceilings (especially at night)

• Gnawed wires, food packaging, or wood

• Nesting materials (shredded paper, insulation, fabric)

• Greasy rub marks along baseboards

If any of this sounds familiar—congrats, you’ve got uninvited housemates.

The Rat Removal Game Plan (DIY Edition)

1. Find the Entry Points

This is your battlefield map. Rats can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter (yes, really), so grab a flashlight and inspect:

• Behind appliances

• Under sinks

• Around vents and pipes

• Basement and attic access points

Seal it up. Use steel wool + caulk or metal mesh + hardware cloth. Rats laugh at foam sealants—they chew right through.

2. Remove the Buffet

Rats don’t hang around for your charming personality. They want food and water.

• Store food in airtight containers (including pet food!)

• Clean crumbs and spills immediately

• Take out trash nightly

• Fix leaky pipes or water sources

If your home’s a 24/7 rat diner, they won’t check out any time soon.

3. Trap Smart, Not Hard

There are several types of traps out there. Choose what works for your nerves and ethics:

• Snap traps: Classic, quick, lethal. Set with peanut butter, not cheese. Rats aren’t in cartoons.

• Electric traps: High-voltage, reusable, effective. For those who want the job done clean.

• Live traps: Humane but require you to release the rat... somewhere far. Not next to your neighbor’s grill, please.

• Glue traps: Controversial and not recommended—they can cause unnecessary suffering and sometimes catch the wrong creature.

Pro tip: Rats are smart. Use gloves to handle traps and bait them for a day without setting them, so the rats gain confidence.

4. Use Baits and Repellents Wisely

If you’re going the bait route (aka poison), use tamper-proof bait stations—especially if you have kids or pets. But here’s the deal: poisoned rats may die in walls and stink up your house for weeks. So... yeah. Think twice.

Want a more natural route? Try:

• Peppermint oil: Soak cotton balls and place near suspected entry points.

• Ammonia: Mimics predator urine smell. Just use it safely and in ventilated areas.

• Ultrasonic devices: Mixed results. Some say they work, others say it just makes the rats giggle.

Natural Doesn’t Mean Lazy: Rat-Proofing Your House

Even if you trap the last rat, if your home is still a five-star rodent hotel, more will come. Prevention is everything.

• Keep outdoor garbage bins sealed

• Trim trees and bushes away from your home

• Don’t leave pet food outside

• Install door sweeps and weather stripping

Oh, and if you’re storing anything in the garage, basement, or attic—don’t use cardboard. It’s basically rat nesting starter kits. Use plastic bins with tight lids instead.

Mini Myth Buster:

“Cats keep rats away.”
Only partially true. Some cats are natural hunters, others just stare while rats dance on your countertops. Unless your feline’s got serious alley-cat energy, don’t count on it.

Mini Story Time:

One time, a rat chewed through a friend's dishwasher drain hose. Water everywhere. $300 plumber bill. Moral of the story? Don’t assume “out of sight, out of house.”

Final Words: You Got This

Rats are crafty, stubborn, and smart—but you’re smarter. With some elbow grease, the right tools, and a dash of stubbornness, you can get rid of rats in the house without losing your mind (or your snacks).

Don’t wait for the scratching to get louder or the droppings to multiply. Take action now. Your home deserves better guests.

FAQ

How long does it take to get rid of rats completely?
If you act fast, most infestations can be under control within 1–2 weeks. But for larger problems, it may take a month or more of consistent trapping and sealing.

Can rats really chew through walls?
Yes, especially drywall and wood. If something smells good behind it, rats will go full demolition mode to reach it. That’s why sealing and prevention are just as important as trapping.

Need more DIY pest tips? Stick with HomeBugShield.com—where your home fights back.