Are you currently having a stubborn rat problem? Have you tried everything to get rats off your property? You may have noticed that many of those products on the market are filled with chemicals. These chemicals are hazardous to our environment.
You may not have realized that before, but now that you know, you can solve your rat issues with more eco-friendly solutions. Some of these options are more humane than others, but it is up to you to decide if you are okay with actually killing the rats.
Moreover when you have kids, the house get messier easily and it is possible to have foodcrumbs in different rooms or in the basement. You cannot keep an eye on your kids 24/7 and you cannot clean continuously. Sometimes it does attract rats. Here are a few options to keep your house rat-free:
Live Traps
Trapping and releasing the rats are one of the most common ways to get rid of them humanely. Even eco-friendly rat control service sometimes deploys this technique. Live traps are not expensive and can easily be found in most stores at affordable prices. You must check the traps frequently so you do not accidentally starve the rodents. Once you catch the pest, release it somewhere away from any homes or buildings so no one else will have this problem.
Low-Power Electric Shock Mat
This one seems a little iffy since it will deliver a slight shock to the pest. However, it is understandable why some people might want to go with this option. The idea of catching and releasing a rat may not appeal to people who are afraid of rats. A low-powered electric shock mat will eliminate the need for any contact with the pest.
The shocking doesn’t sound ideal for those who don’t want to harm any animal. However, the low-powered shock will stop rats and other pests from entering your home. Think of it like an electric shock fence that keeps a dog in their yard. The difference is that the shock is much weaker and doesn’t affect humans.
These mats usually come in tile form, which you install over your floors. You will also need to have a fence around your home.
Ammonia can Keep Rats Away
Did you know that rats can’t stand the smell of ammonia? It supposedly reminds them of a predator’s urine. You can easily make a homemade recipe to keep the rats at bay. You will need the following:
- 1 cup of ammonia
- 1 cup of vinegar
- A spray bottle of some capacity
- Some cotton balls
After pouring the liquids into your spray bottle, give it a firm shake. Then spray the cotton balls and put them in the problem areas. You should replace the cotton balls every 1-2 weeks and inspect the spaces thoroughly for any trace of rats.
Cats
It’s not just cartoon folklore. Cats are great at keeping rats at bay. Adopting a cat won’t just give you a new fuzzy companion; it can also help you with your rodent problem. Whether your cat will be an indoor or outdoor feline, they will keep the rats away. It is highly advisable that you keep a cat outside if you are more worried about pests coming in.
Peppermint Oil
Rats don’t only hate ammonia. They also hate peppermint oil. Similar to the ammonia tactic, you can also soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and see if that works. Some people even suggest getting peppermint plans and putting them around your house.
Predators
Some experts suggest taking advantage of the natural food chain. Rats are a substantial part of a fox’s diet. If you don’t have any small pets, it may be a good idea not to try and chase a fox out of your property so fast. They could do you a favor.
Poison-Free Traps for Rats
Poison-free traps are also an option on the market. These traps are eco-friendly since they don’t harm the environment. However, they are not humane. For example, spring traps have no chemicals, and the rodent’s death is quick. The problem is that some people don’t like the idea of actually killing the rodent.
Glue traps are also an option. Some people prefer them since the rat is hidden inside, and they don’t have to see them. Unfortunately, the death of the rat will be much slower.
Keep an Eye Out for Nests
Once you’ve fixed your rat problem, take steps to prevent the rats from returning later. According to experts, one of the easiest ways to do this is to block access from potential nesting areas. There are two specific areas that you will need to pay attention to. Those are the space between any type of decking and any outdoor buildings. Be sure to block off any holes in walls, floors, and doors.
Getting rid of rats and any other pests doesn’t need to harm the environment. There are ways that you can be eco-friendly and not damage the rats as well. Even if non-humane ways aren’t at the top of your list, there are still plenty of environment-friendly options to explore.