If you’ve spotted rat droppings, gnaw marks, or heard scratching noises in your home, it’s time to take action. Rats multiply fast, and what starts as one rat can quickly become a full-blown infestation.
At On Demand Pest Control, we specialize in effective rodent removal in South Florida. Follow this step-by-step guide to trap rats quickly and keep them from coming back.
1. Identify the Type of Rat in Your Home
Before setting traps, it helps to know which type of rat you’re dealing with:
✔️ Norway Rats (Brown Rats) – Prefer ground-level nesting in basements, crawl spaces, and wall voids.
✔️ Roof Rats (Black Rats) – Agile climbers that nest in attics, rafters, and high storage areas.
🚨 Why this matters: Knowing the rat type helps place traps in the right spots for maximum effectiveness.
2. Look for Signs of Rat Activity
Rats leave clues behind. Check these areas for signs of an infestation:
✔️ Rat droppings – Small, dark pellets found near food, along baseboards, or in cabinets.
✔️ Gnaw marks – Chewed food packaging, wires, and furniture.
✔️ Grease stains – Rats leave behind oily marks along walls and baseboards.
✔️ Scratching noises – Especially at night in walls, ceilings, or under floors.
💡 Tip: If you see daytime rat activity, the infestation may already be severe.
3. Choose the Best Rat Traps
There are different types of rat traps, but not all work equally well:
✔️ Snap Traps – The most effective option for quick kills. Brands like Victor snap traps are recommended.
✔️ Live Traps – If you prefer a humane approach, these allow for catch and release far from your home.
✔️ Glue Traps – Can be effective but are inhumane and may not kill instantly.
✔️ Bait Stations (Poisoned Bait) – Not recommended indoors, as rats may die in hidden spaces, causing odor issues.
🚨 Best Choice: Snap traps placed in high-activity areas work the fastest.
4. Select the Right Bait
Rats are drawn to high-protein and high-fat foods. The best rat baits include:
✔️ Peanut butter – Strong scent and sticky texture make it hard for rats to steal.
✔️ Dog food / Pet food – Often stolen from pet bowls left out overnight.
✔️ Nuts & seeds – High in fat and highly attractive to rats.
✔️ Fruits & vegetables – Roof rats prefer fresh produce.
💡 Tip: Pre-bait traps by placing bait without setting them for a few days. This makes rats comfortable before the trap is activated.
5. Place Traps in the Right Locations
✔️ Along walls & baseboards – Rats follow edges instead of running through open spaces.
✔️ Near droppings & gnaw marks – These high-traffic areas indicate frequent rat movement.
✔️ In attics & crawl spaces – If you hear scratching in high areas, Roof rats may be present.
✔️ Near entry points – Block holes and gaps after placing traps to prevent re-entry.
🚨 Pro Tip: Place traps perpendicular to walls, with the bait facing the wall for maximum effectiveness.
6. Check Traps Daily & Re-Bait as Needed
✔️ Wear gloves when handling traps to avoid direct contact with bacteria.
✔️ Remove dead rats immediately and disinfect the area.
✔️ If traps remain empty after a few days, move them to a different location.
💡 Tip: Using multiple traps increases your chances of catching rats quickly.
7. How to Prevent Future Rat Problems
Catching a rat is only half the battle—you also need to stop them from coming back.
Seal Entry Points:
✔️ Block holes & cracks with steel wool and caulk (rats can squeeze through gaps as small as ¼ inch).
✔️ Install door sweeps to stop rats from entering under doors.
✔️ Cover vents & pipes with fine wire mesh.
Eliminate Food & Water Sources:
✔️ Store food in sealed containers (including pet food).
✔️ Take out the trash regularly & keep lids tightly closed.
✔️ Fix leaks – Even small water sources can sustain rats.
Keep Your Home Clutter-Free:
✔️ Declutter storage areas – Rats nest in cardboard boxes & debris.
✔️ Clean up outdoor areas – Trim vegetation & keep woodpiles away from your home.
🚨 Why this works: Sealing entry points and removing food sources makes your home unlivable for rats.
When to Call a Professional for Rodent Control
If rats keep coming back, or you see multiple rats despite trapping efforts, it’s time for professional rodent control.
At On Demand Pest Control, we provide:
✔️ Thorough home inspections to find entry points & nesting areas.
✔️ Strategic trap placement to catch rats quickly.
✔️ Exclusion services to seal off entry points & prevent re-infestations.
✔️ Sanitation services to remove rat droppings, bacteria, & odors.
📞 Call us today for a free inspection and take the first step toward a rodent-free home!
