Rats are annoying pests that can create stress for you and your property. The sooner you can get rid of invasive rats, the better off you will be. Here are some humane rat removal methods you can try to help evict nuisance rats.
Common Humane Rat Removal Methods
- Remove Clutter
One of the easiest ways to remove rats safely is getting rid of their hiding spaces. Rats use clutter in your yard and home to hide, nest, and roam. Reduce their hiding spots by picking up yard debris and keeping appliances away from the walls.
- Take Away Food and Water
Rats are drawn to your property because it provides a safe space with plenty of access to food and water. The rodents scavenge for their meals and will chew on just about anything. An additional humane rat removal technique is to remove their food sources. Tightly seal food in your pantry, double-bagging garbage to reduce its odor, and store your food and waste in a cool, dry space. If you have pets, don’t leave their food and water out to attract rats. Also, pick up any dropped nuts or produce in your yard.
- Use Repellants
Since rats rely heavily on their strong sense of smell, use it against them by growing plants that produce odors rats can’t stand, such as:
- Garlic
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Marigolds
- Lavender
Make sure you know what you’re planting as some of these can be harmful to pets if ingested. If natural scents don’t work, ammonia is a chemical found in predator urine that scares rats away. Soak some cotton balls in ammonia and place them around your home where rats are present.
- Introduce a Predator
Another humane rat removal method is to introduce a natural predator to the area. Install a bird box to invite rat-eating birds of prey to your yard, or consider adopting a cat. Natural predators will humanely control the population and scare off any rats on your property.
Hire a Humane Rat Removal Expert
While the above humane rat removal methods may work in the short-term, there’s no guarantee they will have a lasting effect. Additionally, DIY methods can be expensive and more effective methods like traps can be cruel and inhumane. That’s why your best chance for long-term, humane rat removal is hiring the wildlife removal professionals at Critter Control® of Polk County.
Our licensed and trained technicians will quickly and safely remove nuisance rats from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our services, call Critter Control® of Polk County today at 863-204-2815.
