What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Rats and Prevent a Future Infestation?

"I’ve found droppings and I hear scratching in my walls at night; what’s the best way to get rid of rats and make sure they never come back?"

The best way to get rid of rats is to combine professional traps with removing food and water sources, and sealing off entry points into your property. That way the colony is eliminated and the "door" is locked behind them.

Many property owners initially search for how to get rid of a rat using DIY hardware store baits and traps. But these methods are often not a permanent cure, but just a temporary bandage. A rat infestation is like a leaky boat; you can buy a bucket to scoop the water out, but unless you plug the hole in the hull, you’ll eventually sink. Rats multiply rapidly and store-bought baits don’t target the nests, so they’re free to multiply rapidly. If you have 6 rats on day one, you’ll have 30 in one month and 350+ in 3 months.

When people ask, “How can I get rid of rats in the house?”, we know the No.1 step is prevention. Rats squeeze through holes the size of a quarter, using their ribcages like collapsible accordions. So, the best way to get rid of rats long-term is to seal every gap, vent, and pipe entry point with gnaw-proof materials like steel mesh.

Why is a professional approach superior to wondering how to get rid of rats on your own? It’s down to biology and behavior. Rats are "neophobic": they’re naturally suspicious of new objects in their environment. A haphazardly placed trap is just a new piece of furniture to them. Professional experts understand their runways and social hierarchies, so traps are placed where they’re most effective.

Professional Rat Control

Gregory Pest Solutions offers expert rat control services for both residential and commercial clients. Our professional technicians employ targeted, proven strategies to completely eliminate the rats you can see and the hidden nests that you can’t. We disrupt their survival cycle by removing food sources—such as unsealed pet food or overflowing trash bins—and by removing water sources—such as dripping taps. We prevent future infestations from entering your building, so your property transitions from a rodent playground to a secure, rat-free environment for everyone.