Rats are usually looking for two things when they enter a property – food and shelter.
The pesky pests can be attracted to even the smallest amount of food from crumbs on the floor, to pet food and bird feed.
With this in mind, a pest exterminator for Fantastic Pest Control Georgios Likopoulos, has shared exclusively with Express.co.uk five methods for banishing rats for good.
1. Rat bait station
Rat bait stations can be bought for under £10 from hardware stores and online.
The device holds rat poison or bait while keeping it away from pets and children.
2. Humane traps
These traps capture rats while they’re alive and then release them into the wild. However, these devices are not suitable for dealing with infestations as they usually only catch one rat at a time.
Before choosing a bait station, discuss whether it’s the best option with a pest control expert.
3. Lethal traps
Lethal traps will kill rats instantly but they can be dangerous to have around pets and children.
Georgios said: “The most common is the snap trap, which kills the rat instantly.
“It is a helpful method and can help even with a large infestation.”
4. Natural rat deterrent
Some natural methods include using peppermint oil and pepper to deter rats. The expert suggested, “placing a bowl of peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, and cloves around your home can keep rats away”.
5. Homemade rat poison
The pest exterminator said this is “very effective and works faster than others”. However, homeowners need to be very careful when making this solution.
Georgios shared his own homemade concoction for killing rats. He said: “One well-known homemade rat poison is boric acid.
“Mix one cup of boric acid with chicken broth, stirring well. Add more boric acid if the mixture is too thin.
“Rats will be attracted to the smell of the broth and consume the mixture, eventually dying from the boric acid.”
