Do rat pellets and traps work?

Question: I just purchased a home which had a crawl space that was cleaned. I understand the previous renters had a rat problem. I put down pellets and set traps yesterday. How effective is that? The crawl space is now clean. Do I have to get professional help? Will they go away if they can’t find junk or food? I live by a lake, by the way.

Answer: It is not unusual for there to be rats near a lake—especially if there are also wooded areas.

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 drain spouts. Once on the roof they can enter the attic through vents. They can move from room to room in the attic by following pipes.

All potential access points for rats should be inspected and sealed. Rats can enter through holes as small as a quarter (25 cents), so inspect very thoroughly.

If rats do get inside, the best control method is to use snap traps.

Contact your local Orkin Branch Office and a highly trained Orkin Pest Specialist will inspect your home and develop a customized, backed by science, rodent control program that best fits your needs.