There are over 65 species of rats worldwide. The most common species in our latitudes are the brown rat and the common house rat. Rats can weigh up to almost half a kilogram. Their gestation period is between 21 and 24 days. These rodents therefore spread and reproduce explosively.
A family of rats in your house, garden, shed, or barn can quickly develop into an invasion. A rat infestation causes damage to equipment and supplies and is usually frightening. Fear and disgust toward these animals are justified and understandable. These parasite and disease carriers act as vectors. The rats transmit diseases such as Weil's disease, typhus, tapeworms, rabies, rat fever, and tuberculosis, but do not become ill themselves.
This makes it all the more important to quickly say goodbye to these unwanted guests.
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all solution for successfully controlling rats. However, we tested various traps and baits for you in an outbuilding with a rat infestation. (Over a period of 4 weeks)
Our tips on how to get rid of unwanted tenants for good:
- Stay calm and don't panic. Don't be afraid of these rodents. There are ways to get rid of them.
- Act quickly! Don't waste time - act immediately.
- SAFETY comes first. Avoid direct contact with feces, urine, blood, etc. Wear face masks, hand protection (latex and disposable gloves), and disposable overalls when cleaning.
- Close all paths through which rats squeeze. Investigate the rats' routes. Remove all food sources or make them inaccessible.
- Set up TRAPS: In the test, wire box traps were set up.
With boiled eggs and peanut butter, it didn't take long for the first rat to get trapped in the cage. These wire cage traps catch the rats alive. However, if you don't remove the rat and its trap immediately, no more rats will fall into the trap. The animals notice that a companion has been caught and will then avoid these traps. Please don't underestimate the intelligence of these animals.
The WOOD RAT TRAP (called a snap trap) works a bit faster and more efficiently. Equipped with natural bait (eggs and peanut butter), these wooden traps snap shut often and, above all, quickly. The rats are killed instantly with one swift snap – they don't suffer. Be careful not to touch the bait, rats, traps, or the immediate area with your bare hands! Wear disposable gloves and thoroughly disinfect your hands. A face mask and body protection (disposable overalls) are recommended. Make sure you don't wear your shoes indoors until they've been properly disinfected!
The plastic ratStop trap works similarly. The advantage of this trap, however, is that you can replace the bait more quickly and cleanly, thus making it safer.
Applies to wood rat, snap, and ratStop traps! CAUTION! Set these traps ONLY in enclosed and secure spaces. Remember that otherwise you may endanger other animals, pets, and small children!
- BAIT STATION. Place rat bait in lockable bait stations (e.g., BlockBox Bora – with safety lock). Depending on the situation, there are a variety of rat baits available.
- After the signs of rats (feces, gnaw marks) had significantly reduced, some HOME REMEDIES were used as a precaution to prevent new infestations.
Our tip
Sprinkle the rat's walkways liberally with pepper and chili. Clean all areas where rats have been caught. Follow up with a strong spray of peppermint oil.
Following the cleaning, the FELIX ultrasonic system was deployed to expel rats and mice. This prevented new rats from nesting and permanently expelled any remaining pests from the annex. The ultrasonic system works excellently. Since the FELIX was installed, no more rats have been seen in the annex, no more gnawing has occurred, and no new rat droppings have been found. The pets – in this case, a cat and dog – are not bothered by the device. Even after three weeks, the animals have not been observed to react restlessly or avoid the area. The frequency is only perceptible to rats and mice. An investment that is definitely worth it. A clean solution for expelling and keeping these annoying rodents away.
Summary
- HYGIENE: Disposable gloves, face masks, disposable overalls, disinfectant
- TRAPS: Wire box trap, wooden trap, bait (natural or poisonous) + appropriate boxes, or ultrasonic systems
- Natural bait: boiled eggs, peanut butter
- Bait for box: depending on use (e.g. Ratzia Block C 500g bait)
- Walking paths: pepper and chili
- After cleaning: Peppermint oil (use a strong, natural oil – apply generously)
- FELIX ultrasound device