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Actual size hole Actual size hole a rat can enter a mouse can enter STEP 1. Bait station or "Bait box" Rat Facts Rats eat everything! Rats climb, jump and swim. If a squirrel can climb it - a rat can climb it. Rats gnaw through plastic, wood, soft metals, electrical wires (sometimes causing fires) and even cinderblock and brick. Rats squeeze into tiny spaces, nest where it is dark and warm and can produce a litter of pups (babies) every 3 to 4 weeks! Take Away Their Food Rodents will eat anything. To get rid of rats you must get rid of their food. Common outdoor food sources include: bird food (all varieties), squirrel food, pet food, food waste in open home compost bins, fallen fruit from fruit trees, blackberries, garbage, grass seed and pet feces. What do rats eat when they get inside? The same foods we do. How we store foods in our own home is important to preventing rats. If rats and mice are getting into your home store foods that are usually packaged in cardboard boxes or plastic bags in durable containers! STEP 2 Exterminate the Rodent Population Trapping and poisoning are two effective ways to exteiminate rodents. Some rodent problems may be too difficult to control on your own and you may need to hire a licensed pest control operator. You can find them in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under "Pest Control Services" Trapping Trapping is the preferred method of killing rats indoors. Wooden snap traps are inexpensive and effective. Peanut butter usually works as a bait. Set the trap and place it in an area with the most rodent activity. It should be placed about 3 inches from a wall. The trigger should face the wall. The traps may be placed in a box with openings on both ends to protect children and pets. Poisoning Poisoned rodents may die in floors and walls causing an odor. Poisons are not recommended for use inside homes or buildings. Rat poison for use outdoors is available from many hardware stores and can also be purchased from some professional pest control services or a store that specializes in pest control products. Rat poison should always be used in secured bait station to keep it away from children and pets. Only use it according to the directions on the label. STEP 3 Keep Rodents Out of Your Yard Don't make your yard a nesting zone for rodents. Don't provide them with a place to live and raise their young. Under blackberry bushes, shrubs, vines and intall grasses that are not trimmed or cut back In cars, appliances, furniture and carpet that has been put outside and is no longer being used In holes under buildings STEP 4 Keep Rodents Out of Your Home Small openings in homes, buildings or sheds must be sealed to prevent rodents from entering. Check for openings where pipes or wires enter the Juilding, under eaves, and around foundations, doors and windows. Use cement, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, wire mesh or steel wool to seal openings. Crawl spaces and attics must be sealed to prevent rodent access. Rodents often enter through open doors, windows or though pet doors. Install kick plates to prevent access under doors. Rats will nest in: Outdoor piles of garbage and junk Under wood piles or lumber. Stack wood piles 18 inches off the ground