How to Kill Pack Rats

How to Kill Pack Rats
Published: May 31, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

These rats collect loose materials to build or decorate their homes. They find these items in attics and garages wreaking havoc on your home. Pack rats can become quite an expensive nuisance, but they are not difficult to eradicate.

Things You Will Need

  • Snap Traps
  • Peanut Butter
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Plastic Bags
  • Goggles
  • Breathing Mask
  • Vacuum
  • Bleach
  1. Purchase snap traps. Be sure to buy the ones for rats and not mice. Mouse traps are smaller and not as powerful. You can find these at hardware stores.

  2. Bait the snap traps using peanut butter. Cheese can work, but peanut butter is more difficult for them to steal.

  3. Place the traps inside your house and around the outside perimeter. Pay special attention to areas where you think the rats may be entering.

  4. Check the traps at least once a day, more if necessary. Or listen for the snapping sound. Remove dead rats wearing gloves.

  5. Dispose of rats in two plastic bags doubled together. Clean areas contaminated with feces and urine. Vacuum the feces and use a weak solution of bleach and water for scrubbing away the urine.

The Drip Cap

  • Pack rats can also be called wood rats or trade rats.
  • They get into walls chewing wires creating fire risks and contaminating areas with excrement creating health risks.
  • Be sure to buy the ones for rats and not mice.
  • Cheese can work, but peanut butter is more difficult for them to steal.
  • Vacuum the feces and use a weak solution of bleach and water for scrubbing away the urine.

References

Photo Credits

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