Collection: Catchmaster - Home of the Best Rat Traps & Sticky Rat Traps.

The Quickest Way to Get Rid of Rats

For rapid rat elimination, a multi-pronged approach combining exclusion, trapping, and potential professional assistance is best:


Exclusion:

Seal all entry points larger than 1/2 inch using steel wool, caulk, or cement to prevent new rats from entering.

Install wire mesh or lath screen over vents and larger openings.

Trapping:

Use Catchmaster Rat Snap Traps along walls and areas with rat signs for quick lethal control.

Deploy Catchmaster Rat Bait Stations baited with high-protein lures to trap rats continuously.

Consider Catchmaster Electronic Rat Traps that deliver a high-voltage shock for humane elimination without resetting.

Consistent trapping using Catchmaster's powerful rat control products, combined with sealing entry points and removing food sources, is key for the fastest possible rat elimination.

Best Rat Traps for the Home

For indoor rat control, Catchmaster offers several highly effective trap options:

1. Catchmaster Rat Snap Traps: These classic snap traps are reliable for quick indoor rat elimination. They have a sturdy design and sensitive triggers to ensure swift action against rats.

2. Catchmaster Rat Bait Stations: These reusable indoor stations lure rats using non-toxic bait and trap them until disposal. They provide discreet, continuous protection against indoor rat infestations.

3. Catchmaster Electronic Rat Traps: These professional-grade traps are ideal for continuous indoor rat control without needing to reset traps. The bait lures rats in and delivers a high-voltage shock for humane elimination.

4. Catchmaster Heavy Duty Rat Traps: Designed as the safer rodent trap choice for larger indoor infestations, these powerful snap traps ensure effective rat control while keeping your family and pets safe from any toxic chemicals.

Catchmaster provides a variety of mouse traps, including glue boards, glue traps, and traditional snap traps. Each type is designed to offer effective solutions for different environments and preferences.

Identifying Rat Infestations:

1. Several indicators can reveal a rat infestation. Look for droppings, typically found near food sources or nesting areas, which are small, dark, and pellet-shaped.

2. Gnaw marks on furniture, wires, or food packaging are another sign.

3. You might hear scratching or scurrying noises at night, as rats are nocturnal.

4. Greasy rub marks along walls and floors, a foul odor from hidden nests, and visible damage to structures or stored items can also indicate a rat problem.

Rats enter homes primarily in search of food, water, and shelter. As the weather cools, they seek warmer environments and are drawn to the availability of resources in our homes. They can squeeze through small openings, often as small as a quarter-inch. Common entry points include cracks in the foundation, gaps under doors, vents, and openings around utility lines. Keeping these areas sealed and maintaining cleanliness can significantly reduce the risk of a rat infestation.

Diseases From Rats:

Diseases transmitted by rats can be categorized into those spread directly through contact with rat excrement or bites and those spread indirectly through fleas, ticks, or mites. Addressing rat infestations promptly is crucial for minimizing these health risks

Rat-Bite Fever: This disease can result from rat bites or scratches and can lead to serious health issues if not treated promptly.

Leptospirosis: Spread through rat urine, this disease can cause severe liver and kidney damage. Handling or inhaling contaminated droppings can also transmit the disease, leading to complications like renal failure and cardiovascular problems.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV): This viral disease is spread through rat saliva and urine. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe long-term effects.

Bubonic Plague: Historically known as the "Black Plague," this disease is transmitted by fleas that have fed on infected rats. It caused millions of deaths during the Middle Ages.

Hantavirus and Typhus: Both can be spread by rats and pose serious health risks. Allergies: Rat droppings, dander, and hair can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Yes, rats have incredibly strong teeth and jaws that allow them to gnaw through a variety of materials like wood, drywall, aluminum, concrete, and even electrical wiring. This ability to chew through structures poses fire hazards and allows rats to access new areas. Seal any holes or potential entry points larger than 1/2 inch with steel wool, caulk, or cement. Regularly inspect for new gnaw holes and set traps in those areas.

Preventing Rats From Damaging Electrical Wires:

Rats have incredibly strong teeth and jaws that allow them to gnaw through a variety of materials, including electrical wiring. This not only causes costly damage but also poses a serious fire hazard. To protect your electrical systems from rat infestations, you should consider taking precautionary action to stop rats getting into your building and chewing your wires.

Protect wires in coatings or seal them. A rat can chew through the toughest of substances, they are often deterred by wiring coated in concrete, even just a thin layer.

Alternatively, consider sealing wires in metal or plastic cable sleeves.

If you notice damage to electrical wires and suspect rats, then it is best to get a professional electrician to inspect your property and determine the scale of the damage.

In the meantime, cover any exposed live wires with electrical tape to avoid them sparking, first ensuring that your electric supply is switched off.

Will Rats Destroy My House Foundation

Yes, rats can cause significant structural damage to homes if left unchecked. Rats have incredibly strong teeth and jaws that allow them to gnaw through a variety of materials to gain entry or create nesting areas. Here's a detailed look at how rats can damage home:

Wood Damage

Rats can chew through wood framing, floors, walls, cabinets, doors and more

Their constant gnawing can severely compromise the integrity of wooden structures over time

Electrical Wire Damage

Rats will gnaw on electrical wiring for nesting materials or to keep their teeth trimmed

This can cause short circuits, spark fires, and increase risk of electrical shocks

Insulation Damage

Rats will tear up insulation to build nests, reducing heating/cooling efficiency

Their urine and feces can further contaminate insulation

Drywall/Plaster Damage

Rats burrow into drywall and plaster, creating tunnels and nesting areas

This can lead to sagging ceilings/walls and potential collapse in severe cases

Pipe/Duct Damage

Rats gnaw through plastic pipes, ducts, and even lead pipes to access water

This can lead to leaks, water damage, and potential contamination issues

To prevent structural rat damage:


1. Seal entry points larger than 1/2 inch using steel wool, caulk, cement, etc.
2. Use Catchmaster Rat Bait Stations and Electronic Rat Traps in areas with activity.
3. Set Catchmaster Rat Snap Traps along walls and near gnaw marks or burrows.
4. Eliminate food sources by storing items in gnaw-proof containers
5. Remove clutter and potential nesting materials like paper or fabrics


Consistent trapping using Catchmaster's powerful rat control solutions, combined with exclusion and removing attractants, is crucial to prevent rats from causing costly structural damage to your home over time. If you suspect a severe rat infestation, consider professional pest control assistance.

Rats and Concrete:

Rats have incredibly strong teeth and can chew through a variety of materials, including wood and even some types of concrete. This can lead to structural damage and create entry points for other pests. Rats often target areas where concrete is already weakened or cracked, such as near water or gas pipes, behind stoves, or between floorboards. Sealing these entry points with concrete or metal can help prevent an infestation.

Regular inspections can help identify and close potential rat holes before they become a problem.

Removing Rats From Wall Cavities

Removing rats from walls requires a comprehensive approach combining exclusion, trapping, and potential professional assistance. Here are effective steps and Catchmaster products to consider:


Exclusion Methods: 1. Seal entry points: Rats can squeeze through incredibly small openings. Seal any cracks, holes, or gaps larger than 1/2 inch using steel wool, caulk, cement, or other durable materials. Pay close attention to areas where pipes, vents, or wires enter the walls.

2. Use wire mesh or lath screen: For larger openings or vents leading into wall voids, install sturdy wire mesh or lath screen to prevent rats from chewing through.


Trapping Strategies:


1. Use Catchmaster Rat Bait Stations: These reusable bait stations lure rats using non-toxic bait and trap them until disposal. Place them along baseboards and in areas with signs of rat activity, such as gnaw marks or droppings.

2. Catchmaster Electronic Rat Traps: These traps continuously catch rats without needing to be reset. The bait lures rats into the trap, delivering a high-voltage shock for a quick, humane kill. Ideal for ongoing protection against rat infestations in wall voids.

3. Catchmaster Rat Snap Traps: The classic rat snap trap is a reliable and effective option for quick rat control. Place them along walls, corners, and areas with signs of rat activity, including near potential entry points into wall voids.


Professional Assistance:


If the rat infestation persists or you have concerns about safely removing rats from wall voids, consider seeking professional pest control assistance. Professionals have specialized tools and techniques to locate and remove rats from inaccessible areas like wall cavities.


Remember, rats are persistent and may continue to seek entry, so regular monitoring and maintenance of your rat control measures are essential. Consistent efforts and addressing potential food sources and entry points are key to keeping rats out of your walls long-term.

Best Foods To Use For Rat Bait

Rat-Attracting Foods:

Grains and Seeds: Cereals, rice, and birdseed are highly attractive to rats.

Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh produce, especially those that are ripening or fermenting, can attract rats.

Meat and Pet Food: Any type of meat or pet food left out can be a magnet for rats.

Sweets and Baked Goods: Rats have a sweet tooth and will go for anything sugary.

Store these foods in airtight containers and clean up any spills immediately to avoid attracting rats

Steps to Take if You See Rats Indoors:

1. Stay Calm: Rats can be startled easily and may hide.

2. Identify Entry Points: Check for any openings or gaps through which the rat might have entered.

3. Set Traps: Use snap traps, glue boards, or multi-catch traps around the area where the rat was seen.

4. Remove Food Sources: Store food in airtight containers and clean up any spills or crumbs.

5. Call Professionals: If you're uncomfortable dealing with the rat, contact a pest control service for assistance.

Effective Garage Rat Control:

1. Seal Entry Points: Rats can squeeze through small openings. Inspect and seal any gaps or cracks in the garage doors, windows, and walls.

2. Use Traps: Place snap traps, glue boards, and multi-catch traps near the garage's perimeter and around potential entry points.

3. Keep it Clean: Store items in airtight containers and keep the garage free of food debris and clutter. Regularly dispose of garbage to avoid attracting rats.

Regularly inspect your garage for signs of rats and maintain cleanliness to make it less inviting for rodents.

What Smells Do Rats Hate:

1. Peppermint Oil: Rats dislike the strong smell of peppermint. Place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around entry points and areas of rat activity.

2. Ammonia: The strong scent of ammonia can deter rats, but use it with caution as it can be harmful to pets and children.

3. Vinegar: Spraying a vinegar solution around rat entry points can help repel them.

Combine these natural repellents with traps for a more effective rat control strategy.

Properly Dispose of a Dead Rats

Wear gloves and use a plastic bag to pick up the rat. Seal the bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash bin. Clean the area with disinfectant to eliminate any germs. Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly after handling the rat and the trap. Proper disposal is essential to avoid attracting other pests or exposing yourself to potential pathogens.

Dealing With Decomposition Odors From Rats

1. Locate the Source: If possible, locate and remove the carcass.

2. Disinfect the Area: Spray the carcass with household disinfectant or a diluted bleach solution to kill germs and reduce odors.

3. Use Deodorants: Mask the smell with deodorants like powdered activated charcoal, chloride of lime, pine oil, or wintergreen oil sprayed near the source of the odor. Professional Help: If the rodent is in an inaccessible area, consider hiring a pest control company to handle the situation.

4. Odor Duration: Be aware that decomposition odors can last for 2 to 5 days. Taking these steps can help manage the smell and maintain a more pleasant environment

Keeping rats away from your garden requires an integrated approach combining exclusion, removal of attractants, and targeted trapping. Here are some effective steps:

Exclusion Methods:

Install a garden fence or barrier made of sturdy material like hardware cloth or galvanized mesh. Bury it at least 12 inches deep to prevent rats from digging underneath.

Seal any gaps, cracks or holes larger than 1/2 inch in garden sheds, compost bins or other structures where rats could enter or nest.

Remove Attractants:

Keep your garden free of fallen fruits, nuts or vegetables that can provide food sources for rats.

Store garden tools, firewood and debris in sealed containers or sheds to eliminate potential nesting sites.

Use rodent-proof compost bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent access.

Trapping Strategies:

Use Catchmaster Rat Bait Stations placed strategically around the perimeter of your garden. These reusable stations lure rats with non-toxic bait and trap them until disposal.

For a more lethal approach, set Catchmaster Rat Snap Traps along garden borders, near any rat burrows or trails.

Consider using Catchmaster Electronic Rat Traps that continuously catch rats without needing to be reset for ongoing protection.

Natural Deterrents:

Plant mint, lavender or other strong-smelling herbs that can help deter rats from entering garden areas.

Use ammonia-soaked rags around the garden's perimeter as rats dislike the smell.

Harborage Removal:

Eliminate any potential hiding spots or nesting areas by clearing overgrown vegetation, wood/brush piles near the garden.

Consistency is key when trying to keep rats out of gardens. Regularly inspect and maintain exclusion barriers, remove food sources, set traps using Catchmaster's effective rat control products, and re-apply deterrents as needed for best results.

Preventing Rat Nests in Attics:

Seal Entry Points: Inspect your attic for any gaps or holes and seal them with steel wool or caulk.

Remove Nesting Materials: Keep your attic free of clutter and remove any materials that rats could use to build nests, such as cardboard or paper.

Use Traps: Place snap traps and glue boards in the attic, particularly along walls and in corners.

Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly inspect and clean your attic to make it less hospitable for rats.

Best Non-Toxic Rat Traps

Yes, Catchmaster offers several highly effective rat trap options that do not rely on poisonous chemicals or rodenticides. These humane and environmentally-friendly solutions allow you to control rat infestations safely around children, pets, and non-target animals.

1. Catchmaster Rat Snap Traps
These classic snap traps provide a lethal but poison-free way to quickly eliminate rats. The traps have a sensitive trigger that delivers a swift kill when the rat takes the bait. They are easy to set, reusable, and safe for indoor and outdoor use.

2. Catchmaster Rat Bait Stations
These reusable bait stations lure rats using non-toxic bait and trap them inside until disposal. The enclosed design prevents access to children and pets while allowing you to monitor rat activity. Simply empty and reset the stations for continuous protection.

3. Catchmaster Electronic Rat Traps
These advanced traps continuously catch rats without needing to be reset or rebaited. When a rat enters, it receives a high-voltage shock that kills it humanely. The trap then automatically resets for the next catch, providing ongoing control.

4. Catchmaster Humane Live Rat Traps
For those who prefer a non-lethal approach, these live traps allow you to safely capture rats without harming them. Once trapped, you can release the rats away from your property or seek professional assistance for relocation.

By using Catchmaster's poison-free rat traps, you can effectively control rat populations while prioritizing safety and environmental responsibility. Proper placement, regular monitoring, and an integrated pest management approach are recommended for optimal results.

What does a rat sound like in your house?:

Scratching: Rats often scratch surfaces like walls, floors, and ceilings as they move around or build nests.

Squeaking: Rats communicate through high-pitched squeaks. These can be signs of distress, mating calls, or communication between young rats and their mothers.

Gnawing: Rats constantly chew on objects to keep their teeth sharp. You might hear them gnawing on wood, plastic, or other materials.

Scurrying: The sound of quick, light footsteps can be heard when rats run across floors or inside walls.

Chirping and Chattering: Some rats make chirping or chattering sounds, which are often softer and less noticeable.

Recognizing these sounds can help identify a rat infestation early, allowing for prompt control measures.