Question: I”m working in a granite shop, and we have a lot of rats. They are big  and ugly. I wonder if there exists any spray or some thing similar which can kill rats. Please let me know.

ANSWER  The best control for rats indoors is to use snap traps. Use a lot of them–the theory of one rat one trap rarely works!  Lots of traps will ensure that you get them, quickly.  Bait the traps with a small amount of food, scraps of cloth, or pieces of string.

Rats  are shy of new things, so leave the traps un-set for a day or two. After the rats get used to them, set the traps. Rat traps are very strong, so be careful. Be sure that children and pets cannot reach the traps.

Baits may be effective, but oftentimes the rat dies behind a wall and there is a lingering odor for several weeks.

The best control program for rats is prevention. Preventing their access to buildings is less expensive and easier than trying to get rid of them once they have arrived.  Rats can follow utility lines or tree branches to get onto the roof, and they can climb up downspouts.  Once on the roof they can enter the attic through vents.  They can move from room to room and apartment to apartment in the attic by following pipes.

Rats can enter through openings as small as a quarter (25¢ coin). All potential access points for rats should be inspected and sealed.  Trim tree limbs that hang over the building. Make sure exterior doors close tightly and replace any missing weather-stripping.