Outdoor rats can be a nuisance and health hazard. Getting rid of them requires persistence, patience, and a multi-pronged approach. Here is an extensive guide on effective methods for keeping rats out of your yard and garden areas.
Identify Signs of Rats Outdoors
The first step is learning to recognize signs of an outdoor rat infestation:
- Droppings – Look for dark, pellet-shaped rat poop along fences, under bushes, and around compost piles. They are larger than mouse droppings.
- Burrows – Rats dig small, complex tunnels with multiple entrances in gardens, under sheds, and along foundations. The holes are 2-4 inches wide.
- Rub marks – Look for greasy smears on walls, fence posts, and tree trunks from rats rubbing against surfaces.
- Tracks – Their footprints have 5 toes and show tail drag marks.
- Damage – Chewed up electrical wires, plants, garbage cans point to rats. Listen for scurrying noises at night.
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to take action against the outdoor rats.
Seal Up Access Points
The key is pest proofing your yard to block access and prevent rat infestations. Take these steps:
- Fill small holes along foundations, under doors, around pipes and wires with steel wool, copper mesh, cement or hardware cloth.
- Use weather-resistant sealant like caulk or expanding foam to seal bigger gaps.
- Trim back bushes and tree branches that touch the home. Rats use these as highways to get inside.
- Make sure lids on trash cans and compost bins fit tightly. Store them away from the house.
- Clean up clutter like piles of wood, debris and food waste rats can hide under.
- Pick fruits and vegetables promptly so they don’t rot on the ground.
- Keep pet food inside, especially overnight.
- Install wire mesh under shed doors to block rat burrowing. Use 1⁄4 inch hardware cloth to seal vents and under porches.
Use Repellents and Deterrents
There are various commercial products that make areas unpleasant or uncomfortable for rats, encouraging them to stay away:
Electronic Repellents
- Ultrasonic pest repellers plugged in under decks or porches emit high-pitched sound waves rats dislike. These work best paired with other methods.
- Battery-operated ultrasonic rat repellers can be placed around gardens and yards. Some mimic predator noises that frighten rats away.
Natural Repellents
- Sprinkle or spray organic repellents made with essential oils, hot peppers, garlic, cloves and other natural ingredients rats avoid around potential entry points. Reapply after rain.
- Place dryer sheets, fabric softener, moth balls or ammonia-soaked rags in wall voids, window wells and under appliances where rats may lurk. Check local laws first as moth balls are banned in some areas.
- Use predator urine (fox or coyote) to trigger a fear response in rats. Drench cotton balls and place around the yard. Re-soak weekly.
Physical Deterrents
- Set up along fences, walls, or around gardens. The spikes, sharp points and unstable bases provide an uncomfortable surface. Some can deliver mild electric shocks.
- Cut tree branches back at least 12 inches from buildings so rats cannot jump across. Trim any overhanging limbs.
- Place wooden boards, rocks, pavers or cinderblocks under bird feeders and fruit trees to block rats from feeding on spilled seeds or fallen fruit.
Use Traps Effectively
Trapping is an economical and effective way to catch and kill rats. Consider these tips:
- Opt for snap traps or electronic zapper traps over old-fashioned wood-based traps which are less sanitary and efficient.
- Place traps along baseboards, against walls, or across rat runways. Use boxes or tubes to force them over traps.
- Bait traps with a smear of peanut butter, chocolate, or bacon grease. Nestle traps in areas rats frequent.
- Check outdoor traps daily and remove dead rats right away. Wear gloves for safety.
- Try glue boards or live cage traps if you want to catch and release rats away from your property.
Use Rodenticides as a Last Resort
Poison baits should be a last option after sealing, exclusion and trapping. Follow these precautions when using them:
- Put bait blocks or pellets in locked, tamper-resistant bait stations in areas out of reach of children and pets.
- Use outdoor-rated, weather-resistant rodenticides. Look for EPA approved active ingredients like brodifacoum, bromadiolone etc.
- Check bait stations regularly to see if rodenticide bait is eaten and replace as needed until rat activity ceases.
- Look for signs of dead rats like odor. Dispose of rat carcasses safely by double bagging. Wear gloves to prevent direct contact.
- Limit rodenticide use as much as possible and avoid permanent baiting stations. Remove once the infestation is under control.
Work with a Professional Exterminator
For severe rat infestations outdoors, or if DIY methods fail, expert help may be needed:
- An exterminator will inspect your property, pinpoint entry points, and customize a removal plan using the techniques above.
- They have access to stronger rodenticides and fumigants to eliminate large colonies. This is done in compliance with state and local regulations.
- They can use techniques like power vacuuming and dry ice treatments to drive rats from burrows and nests.
- Professionals know how to set bait stations and traps in the optimal areas.
Get estimates from 2-3 reputed pest control companies before choosing one. Look for guarantees on their work.
Maintain Vigilance
Getting rid of rats requires constant diligence and upkeep even after they are gone:
- Inspect the property weekly and look for any new signs of infestation. Seal up holes or gaps immediately.
- Trim back foliage regularly to eliminate rat highways and hiding spots.
- Clean up fallen fruit from trees quickly. Pick up fallen bird seed under feeders.
- Rotate repellents monthly for best results. Replace traps or bait stations as needed.
- Talk to neighbors – coordinate efforts to control rats so they don’t migrate from yard to yard.
With a proactive multi-method approach, you can successfully rid your yard and garden of destructive rats and keep them away in the long-term. Stay observant and don’t let rats gain a foothold!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective way to get rid of rats outside?
A combination of sealing up entry points, trapping, using deterrents, and removing food sources is most effective for controlling outdoor rats. Start by exclusion methods like pest proofing the perimeter. Traps and baits will take care of remaining rats.
What scent do rats hate the most?
Rats have a strong dislike for strong, pungent odors like peppermint, garlic, cloves, chili pepper, onion, ammonia, and predator urine from coyotes or foxes. Use these scents as repellents to deter rats.
What home remedy keeps rats away?
Some homemade options to repel rats include sprinkling human hair, ground black pepper, dried peppermint leaves, vinegar or essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree or lemon oil around their access points. Strong-scented soaps also deter rats effectively.
Will loud music keep rats away?
Loud music may temporarily scare rats away. But they eventually get used to such noise disruptions. For them to permanently leave, you need to block their routes into your home using effective rat proofing and exclusion methods.
What smells do rats hate the most?
Rats have a strong sense of smell and dislike pungent odors. Scents that repel rats include peppermint, garlic, cayenne pepper, smoke, menthol, eucalyptus, vinegar, ammonia, and predator urine. Use these smelly repellents around your property.
Conclusion
Controlling an outdoor rat population requires diligence and a combination of techniques. The key steps include exclusion through good sanitation and rodent proofing, using deterrents and repellents, trapping rats, and population control via rodenticides if necessary. Stay vigilant in order to deny rats food sources and access into your yard. With a proactive, persistent approach you can successfully evict rats from your property and keep them away for good.