Got Rats At Home? Here’s What You Should Do!

Rats in your home can be more than just a nuisance — they can be a serious threat to your property, hygiene, and health. These sneaky invaders can chew through wires, contaminate food, and spread diseases through their droppings and urine. If you’ve noticed scratching noises in the walls, gnawed food packaging, or droppings around your home, it’s time to act fast.

Whether you live in an inner-city apartment or a leafy suburban home, rats can find a way in. That’s why it’s important to understand how to identify an infestation, what steps to take immediately, and how to prevent a reoccurrence. For homeowners looking for Pest Control Mill Park, or anywhere nearby, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do when rats take over your space.

Spot the Signs of a Rat Infestation Early

Rats are nocturnal creatures, so you may not spot them directly. However, there are several signs that could suggest you have uninvited furry guests at home.

Look for droppings, usually around food storage areas, under sinks, or in hidden corners. You may also notice a strong ammonia-like odour, especially in enclosed spaces like pantries or basements. Scratching or scampering sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors are also tell-tale signs.

Another indication is gnaw marks — rats constantly chew to keep their teeth trimmed, and they’re not picky. Wooden furniture, electrical wires, and even plastic containers can be targets.

If you're located in Watsonia and unsure whether these signs point to rats, contacting a professional in Pest Control Watsonia can help you confirm and assess the severity of the situation quickly.

Eliminate Food and Water Sources Immediately

The first step in dealing with rats is to make your home unwelcoming. Like all pests, rats are looking for three things — food, water, and shelter. Remove those, and you’re halfway to solving the problem.

Start with your kitchen. Store all food in sealed containers and never leave pet food out overnight. Wipe down benches and sweep floors to eliminate crumbs and spills. Empty rubbish bins regularly and ensure they’re tightly sealed.

Rats also need water to survive. Check for dripping taps, leaking pipes, or even water bowls left out for pets. Don’t forget to dry your sinks and remove standing water from plant trays or shower areas.

If you're still experiencing issues even after cutting off their resources, it may be time to consult with experts in Pest Control Templestowe, who can help identify hidden food or water sources you might have missed.

Seal Off Entry Points to Prevent Further Access

Even the cleanest home isn’t safe if rats can easily get inside. These rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a 20-cent coin, so you need to be thorough.

Inspect the exterior of your home — especially around the foundation, roof, and windows. Pay close attention to gaps in doors, vents, and where pipes or cables enter the house. Seal these using steel wool, metal mesh, or rodent-proof caulk. Rats are excellent climbers, so don’t ignore elevated entry points like roof vents or gaps in eaves.

Inside, keep cupboards and wardrobes free of clutter where rats could hide. Move furniture away from walls and vacuum often to spot any new droppings or evidence of gnawing.

For residents in Eltham, getting support from specialists in Pest Control Eltham can provide a more in-depth inspection of both internal and external risk areas.

Set Traps and Consider Professional Help

While DIY traps can catch the occasional rodent, they’re often not enough to solve a full infestation. Snap traps, glue boards, and bait stations can be effective short-term solutions, especially when placed along rat runways — those routes they use regularly, like wall edges and behind furniture.

However, traps must be used with caution, especially if you have pets or children in the home. Additionally, you may only be addressing the symptom — not the cause — of the infestation.

Rats breed rapidly, and one or two sightings can quickly become dozens if not dealt with promptly. That’s why many homeowners turn to pest control professionals who can not only eliminate the current rats but help prevent future invasions.

Professionals will use advanced methods and rodenticides unavailable to the public, and they can also assess structural vulnerabilities in your home that you may not notice.

Prevention Tips to Keep Rats Away for Good

Once you've got rats out of your house, keeping them out is just as important. Prevention requires a combination of good hygiene, maintenance, and awareness.

Continue to store food properly and clean regularly. Trim back overgrown shrubs and trees near your home, which rats can use as a bridge to enter through the roof. Avoid storing firewood, cardboard boxes, or other clutter near the exterior of your house, as these provide nesting spots.

Also, consider installing mesh screens on vents and sealing doggy doors or other openings when not in use. Don’t forget to educate everyone in your household — prevention is easier when everyone follows the same habits.

Regular inspections by pest control professionals can also serve as a proactive measure to ensure rats don’t make a comeback.

If rats have taken over your home and nothing seems to help, don’t panic — help is just a call away. M&R Termite Solutions specialises in effective, affordable, and humane rodent control tailored to your local environment. Whether you're in Mill Park, Watsonia, Templestowe, Eltham, or surrounding suburbs, their team is ready to tackle the problem from the ground up.

Reach out today at 0413 716 233 or email [email protected] for a fast response and expert advice. Get your home rat-free — and keep it that way!