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How to Deal With Rats in Your Walls

Rats infest homes, businesses and restaurants throughout urban areas. They destroy property, chew through wiring and create health hazards by building nests and leaving feces. The CDC lists 35 diseases that rats and mice spread through direct contact or their droppings. Removing rat infestations is a challenge because they nest in walls and, after dying, can leave an odor and encourage insects to nest inside the walls. These challenges can be overcome by decreasing rat populations and applying rodent prevention methods.

Things You'll Need

  • Rodent traps
  • Rat poison
  • Latex or rubber gloves
  • Bleach
  • Paper towels
  • Mop supplies
  • Garbage bags
  • Rodent proof garbage and food containers
  • General purpose caulk
  • Replacement door and window screens
  • Sheet metal
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the presence and location of rat infestations by the presence of droppings and nests. Rats in walls and attics will be active and can be heard scratching or gnawing after dusk.

    • 2

      Trap rats in walls and other areas. A quantity of standard snap traps quickly resolves infestation problems. These traps or glue boards should be placed near any infested walls and previous nest sites or droppings.

    • 3
      Poison is an effective pest control but can be dangerous.

      Poison rodents that remain in walls or attics after trapping. The University of California recommends using trapping for indoor control but notes that poisons help control large populations or repeat infestations. Poison works best near infested walls and food sources -- but out of reach from children and pets. Bait stations poison rats but prevent other animals from reaching the toxic bait.

    • 4

      Clean remaining rat feces and urine around infested areas. The CDC cautions against sweeping or vacuuming near contaminated walls or other infested areas. Disturbed dust may contain viruses. The CDC suggests cleaning with paper towels and a mixture of one part bleach diluted in 10 parts water. Mop tile and wood floors with a antibacterial cleaning solution approved for the surface. Carpets are best cleaned by commercial steamers.

    • 5

      Remove rat corpses in known wall or attic nests if odor persists. (Prevent this step by refraining from the use of toxic baits.) Cut a square through drywall and use gloves to remove any corpses. Homeowners should only open the wall if gnawing and scratching was heard clearly from a single location. Handle rodent corpses with gloves and disinfect them with bleach before disposing of them in multilayered bags.

    • 6

      Take measures to prevent future infestations. Keep garbage and food in containers with tight seals. Maintain clean counters and floors. Throw away leftover pet food.

    • 7

      Keep out rats by sealing entry ways into the home and food storage areas. Seal small holes with a general purpose caulk. Replace damaged window and door screens and be sure they fit securely. Repair and seal damaged or open areas around pipes and vents. Sheet metal will prevent future holes in these areas and on screen corners.

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