We’ll say this right off the bat. Getting rid of rats can often be a long and laborious process. Regardless of the method used, it is important to understand that a complete eradication takes time and persistence. If you have a rat infestation in your home or garden, the best solution is to call a professional exterminator as soon as possible. With that in mind, let’s dive into tried and tested methods for quickly, safely, and permanently ridding your home and garden of rats. We’ll look at both extermination techniques as well as preventive measures you can take to avoid future infestations.
Table of Contents
What kills rats instantly
Snap traps are the most effective way of killing rats instantly in your home or garden. Made from sturdy materials such as wood and metal, snap traps are designed to close around a rat’s neck when triggered by the rodent’s weight, killing them instantly. These traps don’t require any hazardous chemicals or poisons, making them safer for other animals in your environment. Alternatively, you can opt for poison as a method of pest control – though it may take longer to see results.
1. Traps
Below we have outlined the most commonly used rat traps that will help you get rid of them:
Catch-and-Release
Catch-and-release traps are a humane and eco-friendly way of controlling unwanted rats around your home or property. Designed with a large entrance door and a smaller exit door, these traps allow you to capture the rodents without harming them.
The trapped rat can then be released in another area far away from your home or property. These traps work well when paired with bait that attracts the rodents, such as peanut butter or grains. While catch-and-release traps may not completely eradicate all the rats in an area, they can help to control their numbers in a safe and humane manner.
When it comes to quickly eliminating rats, capture-and-release traps may be a moral and viable choice for some people. Even though they take longer to produce results than other methods, the outcome may still meet your expectations of humanely eradicating pests. I’d rate this method 5/10 on effectiveness.
Electric traps
Electric traps are an effective and humane way to control unwanted rat populations. These traps utilize a powerful electric current to quickly disable the rodent, ensuring its death in moments. They are designed with two metal plates that complete a circuit, delivering the current when triggered by the animal itself.
Unlike snap traps, electric traps don’t require any sort of manual operation from the user and can be placed in areas where the rodents are likely to pass through. While they may be more expensive than other methods such as snap traps or poisons, electric traps can be an efficient way to manage rat numbers if used correctly and in conjunction with other pest control methods.
In terms of effectiveness, I would rate electric traps a solid 8/10 for quickly and humanely killing rats around your home or garden.
Snap traps
Snap traps are a traditional and effective way of controlling rat numbers. These traps can be baited with tasty snacks such as peanut butter or grains, allowing you to entice the rodents into them. When triggered by the rodent’s weight, they quickly snap shut around its neck, killing it instantly.
The key advantage of using snap traps is that they don’t require any hazardous chemicals or poisons, making them a safe option for other animals in your environment. They can also be used to quickly and humanely eliminate rats around your home or garden.
When it comes to effectiveness, I’d rate snap traps a 9/10 for quickly and humanely get rid of them.
Sticky or glue traps
Sticky or glue traps are an easy and inexpensive way to control unwanted rats around the home or property. The adhesive on these traps is usually applied onto cardboard, which means that no bait is necessary for their effectiveness. Once a rodent steps onto the sticky surface, it will become trapped and unable to escape.
Personally, we found this method quite cruel so It’s important to check these traps regularly, as a rat or mouse stuck on the adhesive could suffer from stress or dehydration before dying. Ideally, after capture, these rodents must be dispatched humanely. Although they may not always be successful in eliminating all rat infestations, sticky or glue traps can help to control the population size when used correctly.
We would rate this method a 7/10 out of 10 because of its cruelty but, nonetheless, they are effective.
2. Poison
Below we will outline different types of poison you can use that is effective at eliminating rats:
Rat poison
For efficient rodent control, anticoagulant poison is a powerful alternative that works by preventing the formation of blood clots in their bodies. As a result, these rodents become susceptible to fatal haemorrhaging from even minor injuries such as cuts and bruises – it’s truly deadly and effective.
It usually takes between two and four days for a rodent to die after consuming this poison, however, this can vary depending on varying levels of resistance among different species.
While it is an effective way to eliminate rat infestations, anticoagulant poison can also be dangerous if consumed by pets such as cats and dogs. It’s important that any poisoned bait should be stored securely in airtight containers and kept out of reach from animals that may want to investigate or consume them.
In terms of effectiveness, rat poison is a great option, however, you could be waiting up to 10 days for it to do the job which is why we would give it a 6.5/10.
Plaster of Paris and flour
Plaster of Paris and flour can be a creative, easy, and inexpensive way to control unwanted rats around the home or property. This poison works by causing severe internal blockages that leave the rodent unable to digest food.
Essentially, when the plaster of pairs is combined with flour, the rats will consume it and then look for a water source. After they have clenched their thirst, they will go back to the mixture and repeat the process.
When the mixture is combined with water, it will slowly harden in their digestive tract and eventually kill them. Perhaps not the most humane rat repellent but it is rather effective!
We give this poison method a solid 8/10, however, it loses some points just because of the inhumane nature of it. If you want more information on how to make this mixture, check out the video below.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can be an effective, yet natural and inexpensive way to get rid of unwanted rats. When combined with some type of food bait, such as oatmeal or peanut butter, baking soda can form a rat poison that the rodent will consume.
While it takes longer than other poisons to take effect, the baking soda slowly builds up carbon dioxide in the rat’s digestive which causes internal blockages and rupture.
It is important to note that if ingested by humans or pets, baking soda is generally harmless but should still be stored away safely and out of reach. This method may also prove unsafe for children if not properly monitored which is why it is recommended to exercise caution when using baking soda for rat control.
We give this method a 6/10 – although it is effective, it is not an instant killer and may take longer to show results. It’s also a little inhumane so we will leave it to you to make a decision about whether it’s a good method or not.
3. Terriers
Terriers are a great choice when it comes to rat extermination. These dogs are small, eager and packed with energy, making them perfect for trapping and killing rats in an instant.
Terriers have the advantage of size – their small stature allows them to squeeze into tight spaces and quickly take on any rodent intruder. They also have strong hunting instincts that enable them to sniff out and locate mice or rats with ease. With their sharp barks, terriers can scare off rats and cause them to flee.
Moreover, terriers’ short fur allows for easy access to their skin which aids with insecticidal flea control when needed. When given proper training, these fearless canines can make quick work of eliminating rodents from your home or property, plus they are good company as well!
We would give this a solid 8.5/10 rating as it is both humane and effective. Plus, you get the added benefit of having a loyal companion around! However, be sure to do proper research before getting a terrier as they require regular training and exercise to stay fit and healthy.
4. Call a professional pest company
Hiring a professional pest company is one of the most efficient and reliable ways to get rid of pests at home or in the workplace. Professional pest controllers are trained and experienced in dealing with all kinds of pests, from rats and mice to spiders and other insects.
They use a variety of methods to identify, eliminate, and control pest species. These can include chemical treatments such as baits or other toxin-containing products that are applied safely around the affected area. Professionals are also able to offer environmental management solutions that focus on sanitation and hygiene; this may involve structural repairs or modifications to reduce the risk of attracting vermin into the house or office.
Using a professional pest control company is very effective as they have the knowledge and skills to identify, remove and control pests in a safe and efficient manner. We give this method a 9/10 rating.
Preventative measures
Here are some ways to prevent rats from entering your home or property in the first place.
Exclusion
Exclusion should be the first step when considering how to keep rats away from your home or garden. Check for any holes, cracks and crevices in walls or foundations – these can offer entry points for rodents into your property. In addition, check around doors, windows and other areas where rats may try to gain access; if necessary, seal any gaps using steel wool or wire mesh.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is another important step to stop rats from entering your home or garden. Make sure that all food scraps and waste are disposed of correctly, as this can attract rats looking for an easy meal. Keep the area clean and tidy by regularly clearing up rubbish and storing food items securely in airtight containers.
Natural repellents
Deploy natural repellents such as cayenne pepper or chilli powder around the exterior of your home and garden; while no single method is guaranteed to keep rodents away completely, these organic defences can help deter unwanted visitors if used consistently over time.
Conclusion
So to round this article off, in our opinion, the two most effective ways to kill rats instantly are by using snap traps or by using a professional pest control company. If you are looking for a humane option, then using either a terrier or natural repellents is the way to go. Ultimately it all depends on the severity of your pest problem; but whichever method you choose, we hope it will help solve your rat infestation. Good luck!
People also ask
What smell kills rats instantly?
Ammonia is one of the most effective smells for killing rats instantly. The strong smell of ammonia irritates the rat’s respiratory system, causing them to be unable to breathe. This eventually leads to suffocation and death. Ammonia also contains a high level of nitrogen, which results in asphyxiation when inhaled by a rat. It can be used as a rodent repellent if sprayed around the perimeter of your home or garden, and it has been known to kill rats instantly when they inhale it directly.
What do rats fear most?
Rats view humans as potential threats and have been known to fear them more than their other predators. This is due to the fact that we are significantly larger in size and sometimes possess tools, such as shovels or brooms, which can be used to harm them. Additionally, rats tend to be scared of prey birds such as hawks or owls, cats, and even dogs. These predators can easily hunt down a rat because they are fast and efficient hunters who use their sense of sight and hearing to pinpoint the exact location of their prey.
Can a rat fit under a door?
Yes, rats are known to have the ability to squeeze through tight spaces no larger than half an inch. Thus, they are able to fit under most doors and other small openings. However, their movement is limited by their overall body size; typically, larger rats will not be able to fit through openings that smaller rats can easily pass through. Rats also have excellent hearing and a sense of smell, so they may become aware of a potential threat before attempting to pass under a door.
Will rats go away on their own?
Rats do not usually go away on their own, and it is best to take preventative measures in order to keep them from entering the area. This can include sealing up any entry points with steel wool, closing off any potential food sources, and trapping or repelling rats that have already infiltrated the area.
Will a rat climb into my bed?
Rats can and often will climb onto furniture, including beds. They have an impressive climbing ability which allows them to traverse from a variety of surfaces, including your bed sheets or mattress. Rats are often drawn to places with warmth and food sources, such as a human bed where they can find the comfort of body heat and possibly food or other items that may attract them.
How long will a trapped rat live?
A rat that is trapped in a humane trap can survive for several days, although it depends on the situation. If the rat is exposed to extreme temperatures and humidity, then its lifespan can be significantly shortened. Additionally, if the rat does not have access to food or water, it will not survive very long.
Do rats go in clean houses?
Rats can and will enter clean houses due to their scavenging nature. They are often searching for food sources and warm shelters, regardless of how clean the living space may be.
