6 Things You Need to Get Rid of a Rat Infestation

Rats are unwelcome visitors everywhere they’re found, which includes every continent except Antarctica. They can be really destructive. In fact, rats can chew through wall insulation and even electrical wiring! Even worse, rats pose a disease risk to you and the people that you love. So, if you have a rat infestation in or around your home, you need a solution. We advise that you get rid of them and do so quickly. You need to reclaim your home and eradicate them permanently.

One serious problem that people face with rats is that they reproduce quickly. One minute you notice some droppings, and the next, you’re dealing with a full-blown infestation. This is why we’ve listed some of the best products you can use to get rid of them forever.

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks of 6 Things You Need to Get Rid of a Rat Infestation

#1 Best Overall: Catchmaster Baited Rat Glue Traps

The Catchmaster Baited Rat Glue Traps is our choice for the best overall way to clear up a rat infestation. These glue traps are baited, so they’ll attract rats, which will get stuck and be unable to escape. Plus, they’re nontoxic and safe to use around kids and pets.

Reviewers appreciate that you can fold this trap into a tunnel shape for tight areas. They are sold in packs of 12. Simply place them everywhere you’ve noticed rat droppings in your home.

This is not your product if you’re looking for a humane rat catcher. You can check our humane solution in this article for that. This glue trap catches the rats so you can get rid of them. It is best for those whose primary concern is their family’s health and wellbeing.

Pros and Cons of Catchmaster Baited Rat Glue Traps

Best Overall

Catchmaster Baited Rat, Mouse and Snake Glue Traps - 12 Glue Trays

• Easy to set
• Safe for children and pets when used according to directions
• Available in multipacks
• Can be folded into a funnel shape to accommodate tight areas
• No bait required

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2. Best for Indoor Infestations: The Tomcat Rat Snap Trap

The Tomcat Rat Snap Trap is a quick, effective and humane way to get rid of rats indoors. It kills them instantly without leaving any blood behind. You can also easily dispose of the rat without having to touch it. And they’re reusable, too!

Reviewers found this snap trap, which comes in a pack of four) easy to set up and very effective. They are, however, not safe for those with pets and children.

To use this trap, it is advised that you wear plastic gloves. This will help prevent leaving your human scent on the trap, which could make the rat avoid it. Then put the things you notice rats eating in your home as bait. Some effective favorites include peanut butter, sliced apples, bread, or cookies.

Pros and Cons of the Tomcat Rat Snap Trap

Best for Indoor Infestations

Tomcat Rat Snap Trap- Pack of 4

• This trap kills quickly, without leaving any blood behind
• You can dispose of the rat without touching it
• Easy to use
• This trap is not safe to use in homes with pets or children
• The manufacturer suggests wearing plastic gloves so you don't leave a human scent on the trap

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3. Best for Outdoor Infestations: The Giant Destroyer Super Gasser

The Giant Destroyer Super Gasser is a smoke bomb that effectively solves outdoor infestations. All you have to do is find the holes and possible exits of the rats. Once you cover all exits except one, light the smoke bomb, toss it in and then close t with some dirt. It kills the rats and ensures that others don’t repopulate the tunnels. 

This pack includes 12 cartridges.

Since the mechanism of use is choking, after tossing in the smoke bomb, you can then plug the hole. Not only will the rats be eliminated, but any rats that try to return will also find the space unlivable. This product is an effective rodent deterrent. 

Pros and Cons of the Giant Destroyer Super Gasser

Best for Outdoor Infestations

The Giant Destroyer Super Gasser (12 Cartridges Total)

• This product is a smoke bomb that can only be used outdoors
• When used as directed, it eliminates all the rats
• The smoke bomb also renders the tunnels uninhabitable, so new rats won't return
• This option is better than rodenticides and poisons because some varieties are illegal in certain states

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4. Best Natural Deterrent: Natural Armor Peppermint Mice and Rat Repellent

Natural Armor Peppermint Mice and Rat Repellent prevents indoor and outdoor rat infestations. This spray does not contain any chemicals or poisons either. It is made of all-natural ingredients, and all you have to do is shake and spray.

Reviewers say that a one-time spray keeps rats away for up to a month longer. Another loves that this spray keeps your house smelling fresh like peppermint the whole time. This spray will not leave any stains behind and is very effective in keeping the rats away.

This peppermint spray works because rats hate the smell of peppermint oils. They are sensitive to it and will leave the environment and your home. Plugging entrance holes after this is a great way to stop them, but as long as the smell is around the rats will avoid your home. 

Several reviewers reported that the sprayer didn’t work.

Pros and Cons of Natural Armor Peppermint Mice and Rat Repellent

Best Indoor/Outdoor Formula

Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray

• Ready to use
• Lasts up to 90 days
• All ingredients are natural
• Can be used indoors and outdoors

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5. Best Humane Solution: Teal Elite Humane Rat Zapper

The Teal Elite Humane Rat Zapper is the most humane method for eliminating rats. This rat trap uses sensitive sensors to detect a rat immediately after it enters and kills it without delay. It is easy to install too. Just install four D batteries, add an attractive bait like peanut butter, turn the Zappers on and leave them where you suspect rats.

When a rat enters, the Zapper detects it and delivers a powerful shock that kills it instantly. There will be no mess like blood left behind, either. 

Cleaning this device is easy too. Simply open the lid and drop the dead rodent into the bin. It works for rats of all sizes, and reviewers report success in eliminating their rat invasion with this. While it’s a little pricey, we think the Teal Elite Humane Rat Zapper is well worth the money.

Pros and Cons of the Teal Elite Humane Rat Zapper

Best Humane Solution

Teal Elite Rat Zapper — Safe & Clean

• This trap detects rats with sensitive sensors and kills them immediately
• Easy to install
• Simply insert 4 D batteries, turn the Zappers on and leave them where there is high rat traffic
• Bait the traps before use with something attractive to rats, like peanut butter
• Rat disposal is easy and hands-free

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6. Best For Prevention: Stuff-fit – DS8044 Copper Mesh for Rodent Control

One of the best ways of getting rid of a rat infestation is by stopping them from coming in with Stuff-fit – DS8044 Copper Mesh for Rodent Control. This copper mesh is easy to cut to size, and rats will avoid it because they hate the taste of the copper.

This copper mesh is also great because it is easier to work into tight spots. So, if you have a hole in a tight spot, this mesh can get there and be effective. Reviewers, however, advise that you cut your mesh over a garbage can as it will create some copper shards.

Pros and Cons of Stuff-fit – DS8044 Copper Mesh for Rodent Control

Best For Prevention

Stuff-fit - DS8044 Copper Mesh for Mouse Rat Rodent Control

• This product works because rats hate the taste of copper!
• Simply cut the desired amount off the roll and stuff it into holes that rats are using for access
• Be sure to cut the mesh off over a garbage bin so copper shards don't scatter around your home
• The copper mesh will keep the rats from entering your home
• This particular mesh works great in tight spots

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How to Choose the Right Things You Need to Get Rid of a Rat Infestation

Finding the right things you need to get rid of a rat infestation is important. Rats carry diseases and are detrimental to your living space. However, you can’t just use any product to take out the rats. It is important to find one that works well for your area.

Some of the things to consider include:

• Working speed
• Infestation level
• Price
• Location of infestation

Let’s look at each of these criterion in detail.

Working Speed

Some methods of removing rats from your home take time. Some work quickly. For example, a well-timed smoke bomb in a rat’s nest can take out your infestation in less than an hour. A trap, on the other hand, may take time to capture a rat.

You, however, cannot use a smoke bomb indoors. So, if your infestation is indoor, your solution could be to use many traps at once. Our review highlighted which products are best for indoors and outdoors.

Infestation Level

While an infestation is small, a simple snap trap can clear them out in some days. In cases where infestations are serious, glue traps may be the best answer. Our best overall glue trap comes in multiple and can take out many rats at once.

Price

One of the things we looked at when deciding on a solution is price. As a result, we chose inexpensive rat traps that provide high value for the money. After all, rats already cause economic damage. Most of these traps can also be cleaned very easily and used multiple times.

Location of Infestation

The best way of getting rid of a rat infestation depends on the location. Do you have an indoor or an outdoor infestation? In this review, we’ve provided solutions for both situations.

Rats and Disease

One of the main reasons people get rid of rats is the considerable damage they cause to property. However, they could also be dangerous carriers of diseases. Some include plague, hantavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), leptospirosis, tularemia, and salmonellosis.

What Are the Best DIY Methods of Rat Removal?

Taking care of a rat infestation at home by yourself is the first step. In this review, we’ve listed some of the best DIY methods you can use for removal. Please take a look to choose which works best for the infestation in your home.

When Should You Call an Exterminator?

If your rat problem is really getting out of hand, you might need to call an exterminator. However, most professionals will still use the traps and methods from this review. Our advice is to pick one or two that you think fit and try them for a few weeks. Make sure you follow the instructions explicitly. If your rat problem seems to be getting worse, then it’s out of your hands, and you might need an expert.