Rats are resilient and adaptable creatures that can survive in a wide range of environments. However, with consistent pest control efforts, it is possible to fully eliminate a rat infestation over time. The speed at which rats are eradicated depends on the severity of the initial infestation, the rat species involved, and the pest control methods used.
What affects how quickly rats can be eliminated?
There are several key factors that influence how rapidly a rat problem can be solved:
- Number of rats – Larger infestations take longer to fully clear out.
- Access to food/water – Preventing access to survival essentials expedites removal.
- Rodent entry points – Sealing up all holes/cracks they use to enter is vital.
- Rat reproduction cycle – Females can birth 5-10 young every 3 weeks.
- Species type – Some species like Roof rats reproduce faster than Norway rats.
- Pest control methods used – Combining approaches is more effective.
The initial number of rats on a property and how well they have access to food and water sources play a major role. A smaller infestation without abundant survival resources will be eliminated faster than a large, well-established one.
Rat reproduction complicates eradication speed
The rapid reproductive capabilities of rats also heavily impacts how quickly they can be removed. Rats can mate as early as 2-3 months old, and females can produce litters of 5-10 young every 3 weeks.
This allows rat populations to bounce back quickly even if many are killed off. Therefore, reproductive cycles must be broken by using low-kill methods initially and following up to eliminate remaining rats before they can reproduce again.
Most effective pest control methods
Using multiple pest control techniques in combination is the best way to get rid of rats quickly and prevent them from returning:
- Sealing up entry points – Cracks, holes, and other openings should be blocked to prevent access and force rats out of hiding.
- Sanitation – Eliminating rodent food sources and clutter they can hide/nest in accelerates removal.
- Trapping – Snap and live catch traps capture and kill rats through mechanical means.
- Rodenticides – Chemical poisons kill rats internally when ingested.
- Ultrasonic repellers – Emit high-frequency sound waves to drive rodents away.
No single method alone can rapidly and permanently solve a rat issue. But using several techniques at once disrupts rodent activity and makes the environment inhospitable to them.
How long total eradication takes
With intensive, continuous pest control starting immediately when rats are detected, total elimination can occur in approximately:
- 2-3 weeks for a minor infestation.
- 4-8 weeks for a moderate infestation.
- 8-12 weeks for a major, severe infestation.
However, these timeframes assume skilled pest control methods are used consistently during this period. If actions are taken intermittently or incorrectly, the process will take longer.
Ongoing prevention is key
Removing all rats from a property rapidly is an important first step. But exclusion and deterrence methods should remain in place permanently to prevent rats from returning and re-establishing:
- Seal up cracks and holes inside and out.
- Install weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Use metal kick plates on weak spots.
- Store food securely in chew-proof containers.
- Reduce clutter and hiding spots.
- Trim brush and vegetation back from building.
- Use deterrents like lights, noise, and predator urine.
With vigilant, diligent effort using multiple tactics rats can be eliminated from a property within 1-3 months. But exclusion techniques must remain in place or they will likely return and undo initial pest control progress.
Signs of rat activity
Watch for these common signs of a rat infestation so action can be taken before the population grows too large:
- Droppings – Dark, pellet shaped, found along walls and in heavy use areas.
- Tracks – Greasy smears along commonly travelled paths.
- Burrows – Conical holes dug into soil around foundations and gardens.
- Gnaw marks – Teeth marks on materials like wood, plastic, and drywall.
- Nests – Collections of shredded paper, fabric, and vegetation.
- Odors – Distinctive musky, ammonia-like rat urine smell.
Seeing one or more of these signs indicates rats are actively present and their numbers will multiply rapidly if not controlled quickly.
Risks of delaying rat removal
It is critical not to delay rat control tactics at the first signs of infestation. This allows their population size and the resulting risks to escalate considerably.
Risks of leaving rats unchecked include:
- Structural damage from gnawing and burrowing.
- Contamination of food supplies by urine/feces.
- Wire chewing leading to electrical fires.
- Disease transmission via parasites and germs.
- Aggressive behavior as they become overcrowded.
- Allergy symptoms from rat allergens.
The longer high rat populations go untreated, the more damage they incur. Early intervention when signs first appear is the best way to get rid of rats quickly and limit these hazards.
Professional vs DIY rat control
Most rat infestations require professional pest control for optimal results. The advantages of hiring an exterminator include:
- Proper identification of species.
- Finding all nests and entry points.
- Access to stronger chemical rodenticides.
- Ability to implement techniques out of DIY reach.
- Preventing rats from moving to neighboring properties.
- Greater knowledge and experience.
With moderate to severe infestations, attempting DIY rat control often drives them into hiding temporarily. But professionals have the tools and expertise to fully eliminate rats and exclude them from returning.
Cost of professional rat extermination
The price of professional rat control typically ranges from:
- $200-$500 for minor isolated infestations.
- $500-$2,000 for larger, more advanced infestations.
- $2,000-$5,000 for heavy rat infestations and colonies.
Cost depends on:
- Number of rats present.
- Severity of the infestation.
- Size of the property being treated.
- Type and accessibility of the property.
- Amount of exclusion work needed.
More rats, greater infestation severity, and larger properties mean more labor and material costs. But this investment is worthwhile to safely and permanently eliminate rats.
Diy rat control efficacy
For minor infestations, DIY rat control can be effective if done diligently and correctly. Common DIY methods include:
- Traps (snap, live catch, and electric)
- Rodenticides
- Sealing entry points
- Removing food sources
However, there are limitations to DIY success:
- Identifying all nests and entry points is difficult.
- Rats may avoid traps and poisons placed incorrectly.
- Sealing holes thoroughly takes skill.
- DIY chemicals are weaker and take longer.
- Rats may temporarily disperse then return.
For heavy infestations, nests in walls/ceilings, and exclusions beyond reach, professional expertise offers greater change of permanent elimination.
Natural rat deterrents
Certain natural rodent deterrents can aide DIY rat control efforts and are safe for use around homes. These include:
- Peppermint oil – Strong smell rats dislike.
- Mothballs – Pungent napthalene odor repels rats.
- Ammonia – Similar to rat urine, causes them to flee.
- Predator urine – Smell triggers instinctual fear response.
- Chili powder and spray – Capsaicin burns eyes, nose, and throat.
Use these offensive odors and tastes to drive rats away from gardens, sheds, attics, and other areas they frequent. Combine with trapping and sealing tactics for added effectiveness.
Preventing rats from returning
To ensure rats do not re-infest after elimination, continue exclusion and deterrence steps permanently:
- Seal up all possible entryways rats can use.
- Install door sweeps, screens, and sealing foam.
- Use metal mesh, concrete, gravel, or wire to block burrows.
- Place snap traps strategically to capture stragglers.
- Keep attics, basements, and garages free of clutter.
- Store food in airtight containers.
- Trim vegetation back from building exteriors.
With persistent vigilance, rats can be kept from returning and re-establishing once eliminated. But exclusion efforts must be ongoing or populations will quickly bounce back.
Signs rats have been eliminated
Once all rats have been removed from a property, the following signs will be apparent:
- No new droppings, tracks, or other evidence appearing.
- No rats caught in traps after 2 weeks of continued trapping.
- No sightings of rats in person or on security cameras.
- No new gnaw marks or damage seen.
- No rat sounds like scratching or squeaking heard at night.
- No odors from rats detected.
The absence of any further signs of rat activity after intensive removal efforts indicates they have been fully eliminated. But keep monitoring for any recurrence.
How to prevent rat infestations
The most effective way to avoid rat issues is through preventive exclusion and deterrence before signs appear. Key prevention steps include:
- Sealing cracks and holes inside and out.
- Installing weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Keeping attics, basements, and garages clutter-free.
- Cleaning up debris and food spills promptly.
- Storing food in chew-proof containers.
- Pruning back bushes and vegetation.
- Removing exterior food and water sources.
With diligent sanitation and exclusion tactics, rats can be kept from ever accessing and infesting a property in the first place.
Conclusion
Eliminating an existing rat infestation can take 2-12 weeks depending on the severity of the initial problem and control methods used. Combining sanitation, exclusion, traps, poisons, and deterrents is the most effective approach. Preventative measures must then continue permanently to keep rats from returning once eradicated. With consistent, diligent effort rats can be rapidly removed and permanently excluded from a property.