One rat gone. Another in its place. How to kill it? ?

Question

We had a rat in the garage (euw) because we had birdseed in there. We got rid of the birdseed and my husband got rid of the rat with a trap. The rat had made a big nest. This was in the winter.

Just yesterday, my husband was in there and heard something making noise, when he went to investigate, a rat ran across his foot (euw). It's definitely not the same rat, because the first one is in rat heaven. He's convinced it's not babies of the first rat, but I am not so sure...how would another rat just happen to find the same exact place as the other rat lived?

euw euw euw

Sorry, rat lovers. If you want it, we live in Rhode Island?

Answer 1

A wild rat usually builds a nest to shelter pups (baby rats)--and it takes two to make babies.  If you found a nest, there was likely more than one rat in there.  Rats are also social animals.  So you can probably assume you have more than one in your garage right now.  

If you use poison, and the rats die in a wall, they will smell for a few days.  But since it's your garage and not your home, that might not be much of an issue.  D-Con pellet rat poison in the trays is a very good "one-feed" poison.

Traps may work just as well or better, since you don't have much of an infestation.  Buy 3 or more traps, in case there are more rats--if you get them all at once, they are less likely to become bait-shy.  Rats are very intelligent.  Bait with peanut butter for three days, but do not set the traps.  The cautious rats will acclimate to the traps.  On the fourth day, cut a sliver of raw bacon small enough to fit on the trigger and secure it with thread.  It's irresistible to rats and un-stealable.  You will get them.

Leave the traps out and set for 30 days after you catch the last one, in case there are more.

Electronic and ultrasound repellants have been proven not to work in clinical trials, do not waste your money.  Cats, for the record, are good for mice, but most house cats will not fight a 2 1/4-pound Norway rat.  

Make sure there is no gap between the garage floor and the bottom of your garage door and walk-in door; a rat can squeeze through even a 1/2-inch opening.  Kill the rats fast, or they will probably breed and move to your kitchen, where the food is.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Johnny 35 gave you a good answer.  I hate to tell you this.  Years ago when D con first came out, it was said if you see one rat you probably have 500.  We saw one, one morning early in the barn lot.  We spent the day with a dog, and two 22 rifles,  when dark came we had 122 laying out on the ground.  Two days later we saw another rat. We had too much grain for the D con to work well.  Finally when our cat count got to about 20 we had no more rats.  

Answer 3

The large sticky traps work better than anything except a cat. At least that's my experience. A little peanut butter in the middle of the sticky trap works best for an attractant. However, a good cat will get rid of them and keep them away.

Answer 4

rat poison. it dehydrates the rat, they leave to find water and die.  if you do not have small children or outdoor pets, you can periodically lay some poison as a preventive measure. it also will help monitor whether you are having frequent visitors. happy hunting!