What Are the Best Rat Control Methods?

Rodents, Reptiles & Bats
1

Hey everyone,
After rats chewed through my car’s wiring (twice!) and invaded my pantry, I tested 8 rodent control strategies in my urban backyard. Here’s what worked, failed, and cost me $1,200 in repairs:

  • ​​Snap Traps​​: 50% success rate but triggered my dog’s paw
  • ​​Ultrasonic Repellents​​: Rats partied louder
  • ​​Peppermint Oil + Steel Wool​​: Delayed entry but didn’t stop nesting
  • ​​Professional Exclusion​​: Sealed 42 entry points; 90% reduction

Now I’m torn between ​​humane live traps​ and ​​rodenticide bait stations​​. What’s truly the best long-term solution?

2

Used ​​live traps + relocation​, ethical disaster! Relocated rats invaded neighbors’ homes. Now trying ​​rat birth control​​ ($120/month). @UrbanWildlifeHelp Does this affect other wildlife?

3

Snap traps beat everything IF placed correctly. Use ​​tied-down bacon​, rats tug, triggering faster. Avoid glue traps (inhumane + illegal in 6 states). Always wear gloves, they smell your fear!

4

​Rat-resistant compost bins​​ saved my veggies! Added ​​hardware cloth + chili powder​​. But rats nested under the bin. Anyone try ​​elevated compost systems​?

5

Rodenticides killed a neighborhood hawk! Switched to ​​locked bait stations with non-toxic wax blocks​​. Key: Use ​​tamper-resistant designs​ (kids/pets can’t open). Worth the $200?

6

Bought a ​​Wi-Fi smart trap​, texts me when triggered. Caught 12 rats remotely! But subscription costs $15/month. Cheaper than car repairs but feels dystopian.

7

Restoring a 1920s house, can’t seal gaps. ​​Copper mesh + peppermint spray​​ failed.

8

Requires ​​custom bait stations​​. Neighbors must join or you’re wasting money.

9

@EcoWarriorSarah Birth control pellets target rat-specific hormones. Safe for owls but avoid during bird migrations. Better option: ​​habitat modification, remove food/water sources!

10

Upgrade to ​​smart bait stations​​! Mine alert when low on bait and detect pet proximity. Costs $300 but saved my terrier’s life. Worth every penny.

11

Elevated bins = rat ladders! Use ​double-walled galvanized steel​ instead. Added ​motion-activated lights​, rats hate disco mode. 80% fewer sightings since installation!