Scientists have estimated that there are 7 billion rats spread across our continents. This volume means that there is one rat per person on the planet. Because of this high number, you will likely come across a rat in or near your home at some point. And rats are destructive creatures that damage your property. And even worse, they also carry diseases that can infect you and your family. So if you have a rat problem, you should deal with it before they multiply. But there is an urban legend that asks, can you kill rats with Coke? Should you? Let’s find out if this legend is true.
Coke Cannot Kill Rats
This urban legend is false. No evidence or studies show that Cola or any carbonated drink can kill a rat. The myth arose because rats cannot burp. People thought that after drinking Cola, the carbonation in the stomach of the rat would not be able to escape, and the rat would eventually die. If you put Cola or a carbonated drink out in an attempt to kill a rat, you will likely attract even more rodents as they would be attracted to the sweet smell and taste.
Even if Coke kills rats, you should not use this beverage as a pest control method. If this method worked, the rat would die a painful death which means this form of pest control is not humane. There are faster, easier, and more compassionate ways to trap and manage rat infestations.
Getting Rid of Rats
There is a range of traps you could set up to catch and even kill rats on your own.
Here is a list of the ones that we suggest:
Tomcat Glue Rat Traps Rat with Eugenol
This trap functions to trap rats, mice, other rodents, and insects. The creature would stick to this glue and is safe to use around the house as it is non-toxic.
- Captures rats, mice, other rodents, and insects
- Features Eugenol for enhanced stickiness
- Helps eliminate rat problems
- Easy to use
- Can be placed in small spaces and pathways that rats frequent
Large Humane Rat Traps
Animal rights organizations like PETA recommend these rat traps because they are cruelty-free. You will be able to trap the rats within this trap and then release them in a location far away from your home or building. The trap has no bait blocks or snaps, which means it won’t hurt or damage the rat’s or pets’ fingers, paws, or noses in your home.
- Cruelty-free
- Captures rats without killing them so you can release them away from your home
- Child and pet friendly, with no bait blocks or snaps to damage fingers, paws, or noses
- Recommended by animal rights organizations such as PETA
- Available in sizes for rats and for mice
Victor 12 Easy Set Rat Snap Trap
These traps, which are safe to use in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, are pet-safe and humanely kill the trapped rat. You can place these traps where the rats are likely to frequent. Examples of such places include along walls, near baseboards, and other pathways, and you can use bait like cheese or peanut butter to catch their attention.
- Can be used in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings
- Place along walls, near baseboards, and along other pathways frequented by rats
- Pet-safe, but should be placed where children and pets cannot tamper with them
- Constructed from wood, wire, and plastic
- Can be baited with anything, but peanut butter is an effective bait due to its stickiness and "rat appeal"
Outpost Rat Bait Station
This trap, which is secure, compact, high-quality, lockable, and tamper-resistant, is sure to kill rats. Install it vertically or horizontally along walls and areas where rats typically move.
- Secure, compact, high-quality, lockable, and tamper-resistant
- Can be installed vertically or horizontally
- Eliminates mice and rats
- Place along walls and other rodent pathways
- Made in the U.S.A.
TRJETIFE Electric Rat Trap
This trap has an anti-escape door that emits between 6,000 and 9,000 volts of electric power and continues to do so for about four minutes. Consequently, any rodents entering this trap will die instantly, averting unnecessary pain and trauma. Besides, this trap has a feature that allows you to switch off the electricity once it has done its job in capturing the rat. Additionally, it has a pet-safety feature, so there is no need to worry about electrocuting your pets.
If you do not want to take control of the rat nest or infestation yourself, you could contact a pest control team in your area. Pest control is sure to successfully remove the nest or infestation from your home in a short amount of time.
- Releases 6,000 - 9,000 volts of electricity for up to 4 minutes to kill rats instantly without pain
- Features an anti-escape door
- Also allows users to capture rodents unharmed for release
- A safety switch prevents pets from being electrocuted
- Designed so you can dispose of rodents without seeing or touching them
How To Know if Your Home Has a Rat Nest or Infestation
Rats choose to build their nests in urban and suburban areas. Rats prefer these areas over forest or wild areas as urban and suburban areas offer them more food, water, and shelter. You might have rat nests in your home or on your property without even being aware of their presence. Rats prefer building their nests or burrows in quieter areas, which is why you are less likely to see them. But, you may have a rat nest if you notice any of these signs:
- Rat droppings. These would likely be near the nest.
- Burrows. Some rat species will burrow into the ground, where they will build their nests. Often, you will see these burrow holes in the garage, garden sheds, and under porches.
- Rat tracks. These are often found in sandy or dusty areas.
- Specific noises. You likely have rats in your home or building if you hear squeaks, scratching, or scurrying noises.
- Damage to your property. Rats are destructive creatures and will likely gnaw on materials to make space or get materials for their nest. If you see bite marks on your property, you probably have rats.
- Smear or dirt marks. Rats have poor vision, often rubbing their bodies along walls and leaving smear or dirt marks.
You may also notice an empty or abandoned rat nest because rats usually build their nests from a mixture of materials. Rats may use natural materials like sticks, twigs, and leaves. However, most rat species prefer materials like cotton, shredded paper, and other discarded materials.
Diseases Carried by Rats
Different species of rats carry different types of diseases and illnesses. Consequently, you should get immediate medical attention if you come into contact with rat feces or urine or if a rat has bitten or scratched you.
The common diseases and bacteria that rats carry include:
- Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. This virus is present in rat feces and urine. Therefore, inadvertently touching these waste products or areas where they have been, places you at risk of acquiring the Hantavirus.
- Rat-bite fever. Rat saliva and rat bites are typical sources of the spread of this disease.
- Salmonellosis. Rat by-products can pollute food and water sources that people and other animals use.
- Leptospirosis. This disease spreads mainly through polluted food and water.
- The Plague. The fleas on rats spread this disease.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © torook/Shutterstock.com
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