How to Get Rid of Rats in Your House: A Comprehensive Vancouver Guide
Finding out that rats have moved into your home is enough to keep any homeowner awake at night. In Vancouver, where damp winters and dense urban landscapes make rodent activity a year-round reality, "uninvited guests" like Norway or Roof rats are more than just a nuisance—they are a threat to your property and health.
If you’re wondering how to get rid of them in your house, the key is a combination of immediate action and long-term prevention. Here is a professional-grade strategy to reclaim your home.
1. Perform a Thorough Inspection
Rats are masters of stealth. To stop them, you first need to find where they are hiding and how they are getting in. Look for the "tell-tale" signs of a rodent infestation:
Droppings: Usually found in cupboards, attics, or along baseboards.
Gnaw Marks: Rats can chew through wood, plastic, and even soft metals to reach food or nesting sites.
Rub Marks: Dark, greasy smudges left along walls from their fur.
Noises: Scratching or scurrying sounds in the walls or ceiling, especially at night.
2. Seal the Entry Points (Exclusion)
These rodents can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter. To keep them out, you must "build them out." Unlike older methods that relied heavily on poisons, modern Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on exclusion.
Use galvanized steel mesh or heavy-duty flashing to seal gaps around utility pipes, vents, and rooflines.
Check your door sweeps; if you can slide a pencil under your door, a young rat can get inside.
Seal cracks in your foundation and ensure your soffits are secure.
3. Eliminate Food and Water Sources
A rat’s primary motivation for entering your home is survival. By removing their "all-you-can-eat buffet," you make your property much less attractive.
Secure Trash: Use airtight, metal bins for outdoor garbage and compost.
Store Food Properly: Keep pantry items in glass or hard plastic containers.
Pet Food: Never leave pet food bowls out overnight, and store bulk bags in sealed bins.
Fix Leaks: Repair dripping faucets or leaking pipes that provide a constant water source.
4. Maintain Your Property Perimeter
Your yard is the "bridge" to your house. In neighborhoods like East Vancouver or West Vancouver, overgrown ivy and low-hanging branches act as ladders for rats.
The 6-Foot Rule: Keep tree branches trimmed at least six feet away from your roofline.
Clear Debris: Remove woodpiles, tall grass, and clutter from near the foundation where rats love to nest.
5. When to Call the Professionals
While traps can handle a single stray rodent, a full-scale infestation usually requires expert intervention. Dealing with rats in BC has become more complex due to recent bans on certain rodenticides aimed at protecting local wildlife like owls and hawks.
At Knockout Pest Control, we specialize in eco-friendly and humane rodent removal. Our process involves a deep-dive inspection, professional-grade exclusion (sealing your home with materials rats can't chew through), and sanitized cleanup to remove hazardous droppings.
Conclusion
Getting rid of rats isn't just about catching the ones inside; it’s about ensuring no more can follow. By staying proactive with home maintenance and securing entry points, you can enjoy a rodent-free home.
If the scratching in the walls isn't stopping, don't wait for the damage to escalate. Contact Knockout Pest Control today for a professional inspection and let us help you "knock out" your rodent problem for good!
