Rats in the House: Facts, Dangers, and How to Get Rid of Them
Rats may seem like something out of a cartoon, but in real life, they’re no joke. These sneaky little pests can cause damage, bring diseases, and make your home feel gross. Let’s look at what rats are, why they show up, what problems they cause, and how to finally kick them out.
What Are Rats?
Rats are small, furry rodents with long tails and sharp teeth. Two common types found in homes are:
- Norway rats (also called brown rats): Big, heavy, and usually live in basements or sewers.
- Roof rats (black rats): Slimmer, good climbers, and like attics or ceilings.
Rats are smart, fast breeders, and active mostly at night. They eat almost anything and can squeeze through small holes to get inside.
Quick Rat Facts
- A rat can slip through a hole as small as a coin.
- Their teeth never stop growing—so they chew constantly.
- One pair of rats can turn into hundreds in less than a year.
- They’re great climbers, swimmers, and jumpers.
- Rats can carry over 35 diseases harmful to humans.
Why Are Rats in My House?
Rats come into homes for three main reasons:
- Food – Open garbage, pet food, crumbs, or stored food attract them.
- Water – Leaky pipes, sinks, or pet bowls give them something to drink.
- Shelter – Cold weather, cluttered spaces, or broken walls give them places to hide and nest.
Even clean homes can get rats if there’s easy access or food left out.
Why You Should Get Rid of Rats
Rats are not just annoying—they’re dangerous. Here’s why:
- They spread diseases like salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus.
- They chew wires, which can cause fires.
- They ruin food by biting through packages.
- They leave droppings and urine everywhere, which smell and spread germs.
- They multiply fast, making the problem worse in days.
How to Get Rid of Rats
Here’s a step-by-step way to kick rats out—and keep them out:
1. Find Out Where They’re Hiding
- Look for droppings, chew marks, or greasy rub marks.
- Listen for scratching in walls, ceilings, or under floors—especially at night.
2. Seal Entry Points
- Patch holes in walls, vents, and doors.
- Use steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk. Rats can chew through plastic and wood.
3. Remove Food and Water
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Take out the trash often.
- Fix leaks and clean up water spills.
4. Clean Up Clutter
- Get rid of piles of boxes, paper, or clothes where rats can hide.
5. Use Traps or Baits
- Snap traps work well. Place them along walls or near holes.
- Baits (poison) can work but must be used carefully—especially with kids or pets around.
6. Call Pest Control if It’s Bad
- If the problem is big or keeps coming back, call professionals. They have stronger tools and know how to handle infestations safely.
FAQs About Rats in the House
Q: Can I have rats even if I never see them?
A: Yes. They’re sneaky. You might hear them or see droppings before spotting one.
Q: Are rats only a problem in dirty homes?
A: Nope. Any home with food, water, or small entry points can attract rats.
Q: What smells do rats hate?
A: Peppermint oil, vinegar, ammonia, and mothballs. But these won’t solve the problem—just make areas less inviting.
Q: Do rats bite humans?
A: Rarely, but yes, especially if they feel trapped. They carry germs, so bites are risky.
Q: Can rats come up through the toilet?
A: Yes, it’s rare, but it happens. Rats are strong swimmers and can climb pipes.
Final Word
Rats are smart, dirty, and dangerous—not the kind of roommate you want. The sooner you take action, the easier it is to get rid of them. Clean up, block entry points, and trap the ones inside. And if things get out of hand, don’t wait—call a pro.