Rats are particularly impolite house guests.Fortunately, there are proven methods to catch rats, mice, and squirrels with multiple types of traps to help rid your home of rodents.The first thing you need to do is identify what type of rodents are in your home.Pick the bait that will be most effective in catching rodents in your home and the type of trap you feel most comfortable with.
Step 1: Determine what types of rodents are in the house.
Determine the type of rodents based on the droppings you find.Rat and mouse droppings are 14 inch long and have relatively rectangular or sausage shaped ends.Squirrel droppings have rounded edges and lighten in color over time.
Step 2: Determine which type of rat you are up against.
There are two types of rats.Norway rats are particularly common.Their bodies are 7 to 10 inches long, they have gray-brown fur, and a tail that is shorter than their body.They live in the basement and lower part of the building.Black rats have smaller bodies and tails that are longer than their bodies.They live in attics, voids in ceilings, and the upper portions of buildings.
Step 3: You can choose bait based on the type of rodents in your home.
It appeals to all types of rodents, so peanut butter is a great option.During certain times of the year certain types of bait will work better.You can use the food rats and mice have been eating in your house as bait.If a rat is eating your dog's food, use the same dog food to lure the rat into a trap.Squirrels can benefit from using peanut butter, nuts, grains, seeds, and tender fruits and vegetables.
Step 4: Understand behavioral differences between rodents.
Rats and mice have very different temperaments that lead to important behavioral differences.Rats and mice are both curious.Be aware of seasonal behaviors as well.Squirrels can be trapped in late spring and early winter to prevent breeding.
Step 5: Rodents can enter your home.
Blocks off their entrance point is one of the most effective ways of controlling rodents.More rodents will not be able to get into your home.If you're having trouble locating or closing off the entrance point, reach out to a pest management professional.
Step 6: Think about kill traps.
The most effective method of removing mice and rats from your home is an electronic kill trap.It is easier to dispose of kill traps compared to non-rodents.The most humane type of kill trap, they are the fastest way to rid your home of mice and rats.Live traps are the most effective way to get the squirrel out of the house.There are kill trap options that you can use to trap mice.
Step 7: Do not drink poison.
Rats can die in your walls or attic due to poison.Pets and children are at risk.You don't need to use poison to rid your home of rodents because of the relative effectiveness and safety of traps.Pest management professionals have sealed containers that hold poisons and keep out pets and children.
Step 8: The right amount of bait is used.
Effective baiting is important regardless of the trap you choose.Depending on the trap you use and the type of rodents you are after, different amounts of bait will be ideal.For rats, leave traps baited with a small amount of food, but not set, for a few days in a high activity area.Rats can become comfortable with the presence of a trap.Pre-baiting traps are usually unnecessary since mice are more curious.To make sure the mouse springs the trap, use a very small amount of bait.If you want to lure the squirrel into a live trap, use plenty of bait.
Step 9: Use a lot of traps.
This is very important.You should set more traps than you think you need.The number of rodents is higher than you think.This is true for both animals.Professionals recommend that you set a dozen traps for the rodents you see.If you see evidence of rodents, continue to trap.
Step 10: Place traps on the walls.
Rodents will use established paths along the base of walls, counters or similar vertical structures.Place traps against walls where rats and mice are traveling.Place traps wherever you can find evidence of rodents.On pathways, place two traps side by side to catch rodents that jump over the first trap they encounter.You can place traps along the wall in the attic or crawl space, near the bottom of the trees outside your home, and on your roof if you want to control the squirrel population.
Step 11: You should check your traps frequently.
Rebait your traps, empty them, and reset them as soon as possible.If the bait worked, use it again.You can vary the bait from time to time.You can change the bait you use to increase the appeal of a trap.If you want to switch from one type of food to another, you have to do it with mice.Twice a day, check live traps.The stress of being trapped can cause rodents to die.
Step 12: Take care of your pets and children.
Kids and pets should not be near traps.This is important for both the safety of your loved ones and the effectiveness of the traps.The scent of the trap will make rodents avoid it.
Step 13: Live traps are not as effective as they could be.
While catch and release is the most humane way to rid your home of mice and rats, they will likely try to re-enter your house.They are likely to die outside if they don't succeed.mice and rats should be released at least a mile from your home.Squirrels should be released at least 4-5 miles from your home.
Step 14: Consider the live trap options.
Live traps can be used for squirrels.A small cage-like structure with a trap door is the most common type of live trap.The models and sizes of this structure are made by the company.These are the most effective for trapping squirrels and can work for rats as well.There is a trap that can hold multiple mice.Victor makes a variety of smaller models that are designed to catch multiple mice.They can catch as many as a dozen mice.They need less maintenance without being emptied.
Step 15: It's possible to make a homemade trap.
A cardboard tube is an especially cheap trap option.If you find evidence of mice, try this.If you want to try it, flatten the tube so you have a tunnel.Place the tube on the counter so that one end hangs off.Beneath the end of the tube, place a bucket or garbage can.There is a treat at the end of the tube.The mice will belured into the tube.When the mouse reaches the treat, the apparatus will fall into the receptacle.Mouse may be able to escape from this trap.
Step 16: Is glue traps worth it?
Glue traps are considered inhumane because they cause rodents to die slowly or chew off their own limbs.Some pest management professionals use glue traps.You have to decide if the effectiveness of glue traps is worth it.