To get rid of rats permanently, you must identify the infestation, remove food and shelter sources, apply targeted control methods, and prevent re-entry. 

Getting rid of rats requires a strategic, multi-method approach. Unlike mice, rats are cautious, neophobic (afraid of new objects), and capable of squeezing through openings as small as ½ inch. Atlanta’s humid subtropical climate, abundant food sources, and aging housing stock create ideal conditions for Norway rats (ground-dwelling) and roof rats (tree-climbing).

At Pest Control Atlanta, our licensed technicians have helped thousands of Georgia residents eliminate rat infestations, and we’re sharing our expert knowledge to help you protect your home and family.

Understanding Your Rat Problem

Before you can effectively get rid of rats, you need to understand what you’re dealing with. Different rat species require different control approaches, and misidentification can lead to wasted time and money on ineffective treatments.

Types of Rats Common in Atlanta (Norway Rats vs. Roof Rats)

Atlanta’s warm, humid climate supports two primary rat species that homeowners encounter:

Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) : Also called brown rats or sewer rats, these are the larger of the two species. Norway rats typically measure 7-10 inches in body length with a tail shorter than their body. They have small ears, blunt noses, and brownish-gray fur. These ground-dwelling rodents prefer basements, crawl spaces, and ground-level areas. They’re excellent swimmers and often enter homes through damaged drains or toilet pipes.

Roof Rats (Rattus rattus) : Sometimes called black rats or ship rats, roof rats are smaller and more agile than Norway rats. They measure 6-8 inches with tails longer than their bodies, large ears, and pointed noses. Their fur ranges from black to dark brown. True to their name, roof rats are skilled climbers that prefer attics, upper floors, trees, and elevated spaces. In Atlanta’s older neighborhoods with mature trees, roof rats are particularly prevalent.

Here’s a comparison of the two primary rat species found in Atlanta: Norway Rats and Roof Rats.

Characteristic	Norway Rat	Roof Rat
Body Length	7-10 inches	6-8 inches
Tail	Shorter than body	Longer than body
Ears	Small, close to head	Large, prominent
Nose	Blunt	Pointed
Preferred Location	Ground level, basements	Attics, upper floors
Climbing Ability	Poor	Excellent
Common in Atlanta	Yes	Yes (especially in older areas)

Signs You Have a Rat Infestation

Early detection is crucial for effective rat pest control. The sooner you identify an infestation, the easier and less expensive it is to eliminate. 

Visual Evidence of Rat Activity

Look for these key signs to identify a rat infestation:

Droppings: Dark, pellet-shaped feces (1/2 to 3/4 inch long) concentrated near food sources, along walls, and in hidden areas. Fresh droppings are soft and dark; old droppings are gray and crumbly.

Gnaw marks: Look for damage on food packaging, wood, plastic, and even soft metals. Fresh gnaw marks are lighter in color.

Grease marks (rub marks): Dark, oily smears along walls, baseboards, and around entry points where rats travel repeatedly.

Nests: Shredded paper, fabric, insulation, and other soft materials gathered in hidden, warm locations.

Tracks and runways: In dusty areas, you may see footprints and tail drag marks. Rats typically follow the same paths repeatedly.

Burrows: Norway rats dig burrows near foundations, under debris, and in gardens.

Sounds and Smells That Indicate Rats

Rats are primarily nocturnal, making auditory and olfactory detection important:

• Scratching and scurrying sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors especially at night
• Squeaking or chattering noises, particularly when rats are fighting or communicating
• A persistent musty, ammonia-like odor from accumulated urine
• Unusual pet behavior dogs and cats often detect rodents before humans do and may stare at walls or become agitated

Best Ways to Get Rid of Rats in Your House

When getting rid of rats in your home, a multi-pronged approach delivers the best results. Combining trapping, exclusion, and sanitation creates an effective rat control strategy that eliminates current populations and prevents reinfestation.

Snap Traps: The Most Effective DIY Method

Traditional snap traps remain one of the most effective and economical methods for rat extermination. Modern designs are safer and easier to use than older models.

Best practices for snap trap success:

Choose the right size: Use rat-sized traps, not mouse traps. Rat traps have larger trigger plates and stronger springs.

Placement is critical: Set traps perpendicular to walls with the trigger end facing the baseboard. Rats travel along edges.

Use enough traps: For moderate infestations, use 12-24 traps. Use and check traps daily for maximum effectiveness.

Electronic Rat Traps for Quick Results

Electronic traps deliver a lethal high-voltage shock that kills rats instantly. These devices are ideal for homeowners who prefer not to see or handle dead rodents in traditional traps.

Advantages:

• Quick, humane kill
• No blood or mess
• Reusable (can kill 50+ rats per set of batteries)
• Easy disposal—just tip the rat into the trash
• Safe around children and pets when used as directed

Considerations:

• Higher upfront cost ($30-50 per trap)
• Requires batteries
• Only catches one rat at a time before needing to be emptied

Live Traps for Humane Rat Removal

For those seeking humane alternatives, live-catch traps allow you to capture rats without killing them. This approach aligns with recommendations from organizations like the Humane Society for ethical wildlife management.

Important considerations for live trapping:

• Check traps every few hours to prevent suffering from stress, dehydration, or temperature extremes
• Release rats at least 2-3 miles from your home in a suitable habitat
• Understand that relocated rats often don’t survive due to unfamiliarity with the new territory
• Wear gloves when handling traps to avoid bites and disease transmission
• Georgia regulations may apply—check local wildlife laws

Note: Live trapping alone rarely solves infestations because it doesn’t address why rats entered your home in the first place.

Bait Stations and Rodenticides (Safety Considerations)

Rodenticides (rat poisons) can be effective but require extreme caution, especially in homes with children, pets, or wildlife concerns.

If you choose to use rodenticides:

• Always use tamper-resistant bait stations never place loose poison where children or pets can access it
• Position stations along walls, in corners, and in areas inaccessible to non-target animals
• Use first generation anticoagulants when possible (less toxic to non-target species)
• Understand that poisoned rats may die in inaccessible locations (walls, attics), causing odor problems
• Consider secondary poisoning risks to pets and wildlife that may consume poisoned rodents
• Follow all label directions exactly—it’s federal law

For comprehensive guidance on rodenticide safety, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides detailed regulations and best practices.

Our recommendation: Due to safety concerns and potential complications, we generally recommend trapping over poisoning for residential rat control. If you’re considering rodenticides, contact our professional team for safe, effective application.

Natural Rat Repellents: What Actually Works?

Many homeowners ask about natural deterrents. Here’s an honest assessment:

Limited effectiveness (may help as supplements, not solutions):

Peppermint oil: Strong scent may discourage rats from certain areas temporarily. Requires frequent reapplication and won’t eliminate established infestations.

Ammonia: Mimics predator urine smell but dissipates quickly and poses its own health risks.

Mothballs: Contain toxic naphthalene; not recommended and illegal to use as rodent repellent.

Ultrasonic devices: Despite marketing claims, scientific evidence does not support long-term effectiveness. Rats quickly adapt to the sounds.

What does work naturally:

• Eliminating food sources (sanitation)
• Sealing entry points (exclusion)
• Removing shelter (habitat modification)
• Natural predators (outdoor cats, owls, hawks—though not practical for most homeowners)

Natural repellents alone will not solve a rat problem. They may provide minor supplemental benefit when combined with trapping and exclusion.

Step-by-Step Rat Removal Process

Eliminating rats permanently requires following a systematic process that addresses the infestation at every level. This proven five-step method works for all locations—attics, basements, walls, yards, and garages—ensuring complete eradication and long-term prevention.

Step 1: Inspection

You cannot get rid of rats in your house if they can walk right back in. Inspect your home’s exterior:

Roofline: Check for gaps in fascia boards and soffits.

Foundation: Look for cracks or holes around pipe penetrations.

Vents: Ensure dryer vents and attic louvers have secure mesh covers.

Note: A rat can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter.

Step 2: Deploy Trapping

Indoor spaces: Use 12-24 snap traps or electronic traps. Place perpendicular to walls with trigger end facing baseboards. Position along rafters, near entry points, and high-activity areas  .

Outdoor areas: Use weather-resistant bait stations along fence lines, near burrows, and travel routes. Space 15-20 feet apart .

Best practices:

• Use peanut butter, bacon, or dried fruit as bait
• Check traps daily and remove dead rats immediately
• Continue until 5-7 days pass without catches (indoor) or 14 days (outdoor)

Tip: Pre-bait the traps without setting them for a few days to get the rats comfortable with the new object.

Step 3: Seal Entry Points (After Trapping)

This is the most critical step in rodent control.

Seal Gaps: Use copper mesh or steel wool combined with expanding foam to seal holes. Rats can chew through regular foam, but the steel wool stops them.

Install Door Sweeps: Ensure garage and entry doors have tight-fitting sweeps.

Trim Vegetation: Cut back tree branches at least 6 feet from your roof to cut off the “highway” for Roof Rats.

Step 4: Clean and Eliminate Attractants

Safe cleanup:

• Ventilate area 30 minutes before entering
• Wear N95 respirator and gloves
• Spray droppings with disinfectant (10% bleach solution), wait 5-10 minutes
• Never sweep or vacuum dry droppings—this aerosolizes hantavirus
• Remove contaminated insulation (professional remediation for heavy infestations)

Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring

Prevent re-infestation:

• Install 2-3 monitoring traps permanently in vulnerable areas
• Check monthly and conduct quarterly inspections
• Maintain exclusion repairs—check for new gaps seasonally
• Trim tree branches 6+ feet from rooflines
• Keep 3-foot vegetation clearance around foundations

Why This Process Delivers Permanent Results

This five-step framework succeeds because it addresses all three essential components of permanent rat control:

Elimination (Steps 1-2): Systematic inspection and aggressive trapping remove existing populations completely

Exclusion (Step 3): Physical barriers prevent new rats from entering your property

Prevention (Steps 4-5): Removing attractants and implementing ongoing monitoring ensure rats don’t return

Remember: A single pair of rats can produce up to 2,000 descendants in one year under ideal conditions. Early intervention using this proven process prevents minor problems from becoming major infestations that threaten your family’s health and your home’s structural integrity.

DIY Rat Control vs PROFESSIONAL Methods Which One Wins

While DIY methods work for small incursions, a large infestation requires a rat exterminator.

Risks of DIY Rat Poison and Baits

Using rodenticides without training is risky.

Secondary Poisoning: Pets or wildlife (like owls) may eat the poisoned rat.

Safety: Loose poison is dangerous for children and dogs.

Ineffectiveness: Rats are neophobic (afraid of new things) and may avoid bait stations that aren’t placed perfectly.

Benefits of Professional Rat Pest Control Services

Professional rat extermination services provide comprehensive solutions beyond DIY methods. Licensed technicians identify all entry points, deploy commercial-grade traps and monitoring stations, and offer hazardous waste cleanup including contaminated insulation removal. Professional rat control typically includes warranties and follow-up inspections for long-term protection.
Our Atlanta service areas include: Atlanta, Marietta, Decatur, Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, and surrounding communities throughout Metro Atlanta.

FAQS

What Gets Rid of Rats Fast?

Strategic placement of 12-24 snap traps or electronic traps along walls and entry points eliminates moderate rat infestations within 1-2 weeks. Professional rat extermination accelerates results for severe infestations using commercial-grade equipment  .

What Do Rats Hate the Most?

Rats dislike peppermint oil and ammonia, but these don’t eliminate infestations. What truly repels rats is eliminating accessible food, water, and shelter through proper sanitation and exclusion the most effective long-term rat control strategies  .

What Is the Best Thing to Keep Rats Away?

Sealing entry points with steel wool, hardware cloth, and metal flashing combined with rigorous sanitation provides the best rat prevention. Proper food storage and eliminating water sources create environments where rats cannot establish populations .

How Do I Get Rid of Rats Without Poison?

Snap traps, electronic traps, and exclusion methods effectively eliminate rats without rodenticides. This approach is safer for homes with children and pets, prevents secondary poisoning to wildlife, and avoids dead rats in inaccessible wall voids  .

Will Rats Leave on Their Own?

Rats will not leave voluntarily while food, water, and shelter remain available. Without intervention, populations grow rapidly a single pair produces up to 2,000 offspring yearly. Active rat control measures are essential for elimination .

How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Rats?

With proper trapping and exclusion, most residential rat infestations are eliminated within 2-4 weeks. Severe infestations or challenging structures may require 4-8 weeks. Timeline depends on infestation size, entry points, and treatment consistency  .

Can I Get Rid of Rats Myself?

Minor rat infestations can be addressed with DIY snap traps, sanitation, and basic exclusion. If trapping shows no improvement after 2-3 weeks, or rats are in walls or attics, professional rat control is recommended to prevent rapid population growth .

How Much Does Professional Rat Control Cost?

Professional rat extermination costs vary based on infestation severity, home size, accessibility, and required services. Treatment may include trapping, exclusion, and remediation. Contact local pest control professionals for free inspections and accurate quotes tailored to your specific situation.