i have a rat in my kitchen that's been running around the house for like 3 weeks, how do i get rid of it?

Question

the thing is pissing me off real bad cause it scares me everytime.. i set up gel traps but it's not falling for it, some smart rat...now it's in the kitchen and just ran across it, it confines my space and it doesn't let me sleep because i'm up all night listening to see if it's in my room...it's annoying now because i can't tell how many there are...at first i thought there was one running around the house but now idk, maybe one, or two...i really really want to get rid of it because i'm deathly afriad of it...i can't do anything comfortably...anyone have any ideas how to get rid of it? i'd greatly appreciate it...thanx

Answer 1

Rats are very cautious and some will only eat certain types of bait.

The first thing you need to do is to bait rat traps. Use a piece of produce such as apple or potato, also, raw bacon or peanut butter will work. Then, put the trap in a secure place to prevent an injured rat from dragging it away. Finally, place the rattrap were you have seen droppings; making sure non-target animals and children cannot get hurt.

Once you have found a dead rat in the trap, wrap it in newspaper and then put in a tightly covered trashcan. If the rat is injured, it must be killed before being disposed of. Always use gloves when handling rats, either dead or alive.

Poison is not recommended inside as the rat can die in the walls etc. and stink really bad. But to prevent further house rats apply poison outside to secure areas like a locked shed.

Keep your house clean of food scrapes and wash cooking areas before prep of food items. Put up dog and cat food between feedings.

Brin

Answer 2

Rat Reppelents

Answer 3

The guy above has it right--try peanut butter in the traps, but I have had the most luck with the sticky pads. Be aware, however, that those sticky pads do not kill the rat outright. Rather, it will effectively stop them. You still have to kill the rat with a shoe, or some other way. Ask yourself how far you're willing to go. :)

The only trouble with the poison bait is that you have to put it in places where the rat will have contact--like under the sink--all the way in the back. If you're spooked, stick with the traps.

Answer 4

Try the traditional Rat trap with bait such as a slice of tomato (more than one if it a large area), as gruesome as it sounds, I'v found that to be the most effective. U could also try poison bait, but prepared yourself for the smell and the body hunt.
Also, keep anything the rat can feed on inside a cupboard bcoz Its much easier to trap a starving rat.
A cat would just damage the furniture.

Answer 5

Hey there,

My sister has this problem also. She hates rats/mice and she came up with a simple method.

Here are somethings you can do:

(1) Lay down some mouse/rat traps and put little presents on them IE: Peanut Butter, cheese or some other various food.

(2) Try buying the sticky pads and laying them down. the mouse/rat is bound to run into them sooner or later.

(3) You can get pellets that are poisonous and when the mouse/rat eats it, he will die eventually.

or Just call an exterminator who will find the pet peeve and kill him for you.

Answer 6

Whatever way you go i would HIGHLY suggest staying away from poison. This can be a huge problem when the rodent eats the poison then goes to it hiding spot (most likely inside your walls) now not only do you have a rat but a dead one inside your walls which will start decomposing, smelling, and you'll have to tear into the wall to get it out adding to the cost! But definitely as others have stated a cat works best, this doesn't mean you have to get a cat for good, borrow one from a friend for a couple days. If the cats a bit hungry its extra motivation for him/her to catch the rat.

Answer 7

There is only one foolproof rat poison, and I know you will think I'm nuts, but this is straight up. It is coca cola, rats are the only animal that can not regurgitate, or burp, they implode. All other animals can and will burp, including dogs and cats and kids !! Just put out a little in some small dishes in a few out of the way spots around the house, and let nature take it's course.

Answer 8

Did you try a rat trap?It's cheap and you can find it in every store.
I wouldn't use poison,because you never know where the rat could hide and die and then your whole house will smell like carrion.
I also would recommend Rat Zapper which is safe rodent exterminator that delivers a deadly shock to mice and rats.
You can order it at http://www.ratmousezapper.com/.
Costs about $30.00,but the best part is that you don't have to deal with dead creatures.
Good luck :-)

Answer 9

Hi, you could maybe try an exterminator, but my favorite thing to do that's free is get a cat. A cat is the best exterminator there is. All a rat have to do is get a whiff of the scent of a cat and you will never hear from that rat again, if the cat don't get lucky first and catch it.

Pam

Answer 10

i had a pack rat move into my house once when i was in the hospital. (long story... was there for a month...lots of broken bones)

any way, one night i noticed mr rat helping himself to some dog feed. thanks to copious amounts of pain killers, i had the patience of Job and the sense that God gave a goose. i laid down on the couch with my .22 rifle trained on a pile of dog feed and waited for a few hours. when mr rat went to make a withdraw from the bank of purina i shot him. i also shot through the floor, and rat stuffing was all over the wall.

luckily at the time i was not married, and the house was a dump any way, so i didnt have much explaining to do.

im sure you wont try to shoot your rat. i suppose you could name him Lenny (of mice and men) and make a pet out of him, but im sure you would rather not.

hope you got a chuckle out of this,
Possum