Rats regularly infest residential properties in search of warm shelter or accessible food and water. If your Pittsburgh-area residence is currently infested with the large rodents, here are some ways to get rid of rats and keep them away.
Get Rid of Rats with Traps
One of the most well-known strategies for getting rid of rats is setting traps. From live traps to snap traps, there are many different rat traps to choose from. Most types of rat traps can easily be purchased at your local hardware store.
Before you opt for this DIY method of rat removal, you should know that rat traps need to be regularly checked and maintained until your rat issue is gone. Therefore, you will need to be dedicated and attentive throughout the rat trapping process.
Successful rat trapping will also require rat handling on your part. Be sure to have the appropriate protective gear when removing rats, alive or dead, as they can carry parasites, diseases, ticks, and fleas. If you’re not comfortable handling the rats yourself, you may want to try a different method.
Try Peppermint Oil to Get Rid of Rats
If you simply want to deter the creatures, investing in peppermint oil is a good option. Many pests, including rats, hate the smell of peppermint. By spreading peppermint oil around your home, rats will likely leave on their own.
There are two common ways to apply a peppermint oil-based rat deterrent:
- Dab cotton balls with peppermint oil, then place them in areas where you’ve noticed rat activity.
- Dilute peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle. Then spray the mixture in areas disturbed by rats.
Keep in mind that some pets may also be negatively affected by certain oils. Be sure to research if your pets are allergic to peppermint oil before trying out this rat removal method.
Why DIY Methods Won’t Get Rid of Rats
While the above DIY rat removal methods may be able to successfully reduce the overall scale of your rat infestation, they won’t provide a clear path toward eliminating your rat problem for good. This is because rats are cunning and adaptable critters that will learn to navigate around traps and oils to get to their growing nests and your food supply.
To effectively and permanently get rid of rats on your property, the best thing you can do is rely on the safe and affordable services provided by the rat removal experts at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.
Licensed and Trained Rat Removal Experts
When you’re ready to get rid of rats that are terrorizing your Pittsburgh-area property, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.
Our experienced rat removal technicians will quickly and thoroughly inspect your property to locate and isolate the rat infestation, humanely remove all unwanted pests, and decontaminate any messes they left behind. We will also ensure that your rat issue does not return by installing preventative measures that will keep rats gone for good.
To schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate for our rat removal services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh at 412-767-4067 today.
