Rat Treatment
Rat Treatment
What Was Applied Today & What to Expect
What We Applied Today
Entry Points Sealed
All identified entry points were sealed with copper mesh, hardware cloth, and/or silicone caulk. Norway rats can fit through a gap as small as 3/4 inch — every gap at ground level was addressed, including pipe penetrations, foundation cracks, and damaged vents.
Snap Traps Placed
Large-format snap traps were set along the active runways and at identified entry points. Traps were placed perpendicular to the wall where rub marks indicate regular travel. Rats are neophobic — expect captures to begin within 3–5 days once they acclimate to trap presence.
Peppermint Oil — Perimeter
Concentrated peppermint oil was applied along the exterior foundation line and around confirmed entry points as a botanical deterrent. Disrupts the chemical scent trails rats use to navigate and re-enter. Reapplication every 5–7 days as needed.
Sanitation & Harborage Guidance
We identified and discussed the food sources, clutter, and outdoor harborage areas contributing to rat activity. Addressing these is the most important long-term step — a sealed, sanitation-focused environment will not sustain a colony.
What to Expect
First captures in 3–5 days
Norway rats are naturally wary of new objects. Allow 3–5 days for trap acclimation — do not move traps during this period. Captures typically begin once the rats accept the traps as part of their environment.
Resolution in 2–4 weeks
Once all entries are sealed and trapping is active, most infestations resolve within 2–4 weeks. Rats reproduce quickly — early action and complete exclusion are key to preventing recurrence.
No rodenticides used
We use no poison baits — only physical exclusion and mechanical traps. No risk of secondary poisoning to raptors, foxes, or neighborhood cats. Safe for children and pets throughout the treatment process.
Your Role in This Treatment
- Check traps every 24–48 hours. Wear gloves when handling captures — double-bag in heavy plastic and dispose in outdoor trash. Reset traps in the same location.
- Store all food (including pet food) in hard-sided, sealed containers. Remove outdoor food sources such as fallen fruit, bird seed, and accessible compost.
- Remove wood piles, debris, and dense vegetation within 3 feet of the foundation — these are primary harborage sites for Norway rats.
- Do not seal any holes you discover without telling us first — a sealed rat inside a wall will die there and create an odor problem. Let us assess first.
- Inspect the sealed entry points after 1 week to confirm nothing has been chewed through — rats can re-open soft sealant if copper mesh was not used.
✓ Safe for Family & Pets
No chemical products were used. Snap traps were placed in enclosed, low-traffic areas — under appliances, behind objects, along baseboards in areas your technician pointed out. Keep children and pets away from trap locations.
📞 Call or Text Us If…
You hear continued activity after 1 week of trapping, discover a new entry point, find a dead rat in an inaccessible location, or notice gnawing on the sealed entry points. We monitor and adjust at no extra charge during the active treatment period.