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How to Get Rid of Rats in Your House Fast
The fastest way to get rid of rats in your house is to cut off their food and water, block the gaps they use to get in, and set traps along the routes they run. Rats only need a gap of about 15 mm, so check around pipes, vents, doors and drains. If fresh droppings keep appearing after a week or so, call a professional rat control.
How to Get Rid of Rats Fast: 5 Steps
- Find where they’re getting in and where they run. Look for droppings, gnaw marks, greasy smear marks along walls and holes around pipes. See signs of rats.
- Cut off food and water. Store food, pet food and bird seed in sealed metal or hard plastic containers, close bin lids, clear fallen fruit and fix dripping taps.
- Block the way in. Seal any gap of 15 mm or more with wire wool packed in quick-setting cement, or metal mesh. Fit covers on air bricks and vents, and check that drain covers are intact.
- Set traps along their runs. Place snap traps against walls where you’ve seen signs, out of reach of children and pets. Rats are wary of new objects, so it can take a few nights before they go near a trap.
- Call a professional if it doesn’t stop. If fresh droppings or noises keep coming back, or you see rats in daylight, the infestation is bigger than DIY can handle.
DIY Methods to Remove Rats Permanently
Rats can be a persistent nuisance, but with the right DIY methods, you can eliminate them for good. Whether you prefer traps or natural remedies, there are effective ways to tackle a rat infestation on your own.
Humane Rat Traps
Humane (live-catch) traps catch rats without killing them, but they need checking often. Once a rat is in the trap, you’re responsible for its welfare under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and rats left too long in small traps can die of stress or cold. This method is ideal for those who prefer a more ethical approach to pest control. Humane traps are easy to set up, reusable, and effective for dealing with a small number of rats.
However, they may not be the best solution if you’re dealing with a heavy infestation. In cases of excessive rat activity, humane traps can be time-consuming and less effective compared to other methods, as they require frequent monitoring and relocation of the captured rodents.
For best results, place humane traps in areas where rat activity is most noticeable – near food sources, walls and common rat pathways.
How do Humane Rat Traps Work
These traps work with a baiting mechanism. Baits, such as peanut butter or chocolate, are placed inside to attract rats. When a rat enters, it triggers a mechanism that either closes the door or causes the trap to collapse, securely containing the rodent inside. After that, the captured rats can then be released at a considerable distance from your property.
Lethal Traps
Lethal traps kill rats quickly and efficiently, making them a common choice for dealing with pest infestations. These traps come in various forms, including:
- Snap traps – these are classic and effective pest control solutions. They use a spring-loaded bar that snaps down when triggered. These traps are affordable, reusable, and perfect for indoor environments. However, if not properly used they can be dangerous for children and pets.
- Electric Traps – they use high-voltage shocks to kill rats quickly. They are considered more humane than traditional traps due to their rapid action, minimizing suffering.
- Glue Traps – these devices use sticky adhesive glue boards to capture rats. Although they are effective at trapping rats, they are considered inhumane, as they cause prolonged suffering. Since 31 July 2024 it’s an offence in England to use a glue trap for rats or mice without a licence, and licences are only for professional pest controllers. Wales banned them outright in October 2023, and Scotland’s ban took effect on 1 July 2026.
When using lethal traps, it’s important to place them strategically along rat runways, near entry points, and close to food sources for maximum effectiveness. Always handle traps with care and follow safety instructions to avoid accidental injury.
Homemade Rat Poison: Do Baking Soda, Plaster and Boric Acid Work?
Homemade rat poison recipes, from baking soda and flour to plaster of Paris and boric acid, are all over the internet. Here’s what each one claims to do, and why we don’t recommend any of them.
| Homemade mix | What people claim | What actually happens |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda with flour, sugar or peanut butter | It reacts in the stomach and builds up gas | There’s no reliable evidence it works. Rats rarely eat enough of it, especially when other food is around. |
| Plaster of Paris with cornmeal or flour | It hardens in the gut after the rat drinks | If it works at all, it causes a slow, painful death, and the bait soon dries out. |
| Boric acid with broth or peanut butter | It acts as a stomach poison | It’s toxic to children and pets if they find it, and it isn’t an approved rat poison. |
| Instant mashed potato | The flakes swell up in the stomach | There’s no reliable evidence it works. |
Is homemade rat poison legal? In the UK, rat poisons are biocidal products and must be authorised by the Health and Safety Executive before they can be used. Homemade mixtures aren’t authorised, and any poison can kill pets and wildlife that eat it or eat a poisoned rat.
What to use instead: snap traps set along walls where rats run, or a rat poison approved for home use, used exactly as the label says and kept inside a tamper-resistant bait station. Outdoors, the strongest professional rodenticides can no longer be used in open areas or around waste dumps.
Also read our post on How to dispose of a dead rat or if you prefer not to do this yourself, you can book local dead animal removal services.
Natural Remedies for Rat Infestation
If you’re looking for ways to get rid of rats without using harsh chemicals, natural repellents are an effective and eco-friendly way to do it. They are non-toxic and safe for humans and pets. Additionally, these methods are typically more cost-effective and provide a sustainable approach to pest management by using readily available, natural ingredients.
What Smell do House Rats Hate?
- Peppermint oil – it is known for its strong scent, which is unpleasant to rats. To use it effectively, soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and strategically place them in strategic places, such as attics, near entry points and along walls. Refresh the cotton balls weekly to maintain their potency.
- Eucalyptus oil – mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle and apply it around your home, particularly in corners, along baseboards, and near potential entry points. This will help mask the familiar scents that attract rats.
- Citronella – in addition to repelling insects, it can also confuse rats. Use citronella oil or light citronella candles near potential entry points, such as doors and windows. The strong aroma can deter rats from coming near these areas.
- Cayenne pepper – it is a natural repellent for rats. To create a spray, mix cayenne powder with water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake well and apply this mixture to areas with rat activity. The strong smell and taste will discourage rats from returning to those spots.
Strong smells like cayenne or peppermint may keep rats away from a spot for a while, but they won’t remove rats that are already nesting in your home.
How to Keep Rats Away After Treatment
Once the rats are gone, keep them out by sealing gaps of 15 mm or more, keeping food and bins covered and clearing clutter next to the house. See our full guide on how to keep rats away.
Consider that we give information on possible ways to get rid of rats. However, we cannot affirm that all of the above methods will be effective for you.
