Controlling rats effectively involves a combination of prevention, sanitation, exclusion, and elimination. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you control rats in and around your property:

1. Sanitation

• Remove food sources: Store food in sealed containers. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
• Manage garbage: Use bins with tight-fitting lids. Empty them regularly.
• Pet food: Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
• Clean surroundings: Remove clutter, especially cardboard and paper which rats use for nesting.

2. Exclusion (Seal Entry Points)

• Seal holes: Close gaps in walls, floors, foundations, and around doors/windows. Rats can squeeze through holes as small as a coin (1/2 inch).
• Use materials rats can't chew: Steel wool, metal sheeting, or cement.
• Fix broken vents and screens.

3. Traps and Baits

• Snap traps: Traditional but effective. Place them near walls, behind objects, or in dark corners.
• Glue traps: Less humane and less effective for heavy infestations.
• Electric traps: Instant kill and easy disposal.
• Bait stations: Use with caution, especially around children and pets. Use tamper-proof stations.

4. Rodenticides (Rat Poison)

• Use only as a last resort and follow safety guidelines strictly.
• Always place poison in bait stations, never in the open.
• Keep away from children, pets, and non-target animals.

5. Professional Pest Control

• For large infestations or if you're not getting results, call a licensed pest control service.
• They can assess the infestation, apply professional-grade products, and advise on long-term prevention.

Tips for Long-Term Prevention

• Trim vegetation away from your house.
• Don’t leave pet food or birdseed outside.
• Regularly inspect for signs of rats (droppings, gnaw marks, sounds in walls).
• Educate household members about good hygiene and waste management.

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A rat is a medium-sized rodent that belongs to the genus Rattus. The two most common species found around humans are:

1. Black rat (Rattus rattus)
2. Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), also known as the Norway rat

Key Characteristics of Rats:

• Size: Typically 6–10 inches long (excluding tail), with tails often as long as their bodies.
• Color: Varies from brown, black, grey, to white (in lab or pet rats).
• Diet: Omnivorous – they eat grains, fruits, meats, and even garbage.
• Habitat: Found in urban, suburban, and rural areas – especially near food and water sources.
• Lifespan: About 1 to 3 years in the wild.

Why Are Rats a Problem?

• Health risks: They carry diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, and plague.
• Contamination: Rat urine and droppings contaminate food and surfaces.
• Damage: They chew wires, wood, pipes, and can cause fires or water damage.
• Rapid breeding: A pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring in a year.

Interesting Facts:

• Rats are highly intelligent and can solve puzzles.
• They have an excellent memory once they learn a navigation path.
• Used in scientific research due to their physiological similarities to humans.

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