They’re small, fast, and always seem one step ahead of you. No, I’m not talking about your toddler — I’m talking about rats and mice. These little pests are always sweet and innocent in cartoons. But what about in real life. Are rats, mice, and rodents as bad as everyone makes them out to be? Quick answer: YES!
Once these furry pests move into your attic, crawlspace, or walls, they turn from the adorable sidekick and into a tiny demolition crew.
Rodents chew through wires, leave droppings everywhere, and they multiply faster than you can say “cheese.” The good news? You don’t have to roll out the red carpet for them. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get rid of rats, mice, and rodents — and keep them away for good.
What to Do If You Have Rats or Mice in Your Home
Let’s put your imagination to work: you’re sitting in your living room at night, and you hear scratching in the walls. You convince yourself it’s just the wind… until you see something small and fast dart across the floor. Congratulations — you’ve got rodents. And they aren’t here to dress Cinderella.
Here’s what you should do:
- Identify the signs: Look for rodent droppings, gnaw marks, chewed food packaging, scratching in the walls, or the unmistakable musky smell.
- Keep your distance: Don’t think you can just grab a rat or mouse with your bare hands. Rodents can bite and transmit diseases to you. This isn’t Ratatouille — they’ll bite you without thinking twice.
- Call the experts: Wildlife professionals (like Alpha Wildlife) know how to safely remove rats, mice, and other rodents. They can also close off entry points and prevent the infestation from spreading further.
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Rodents?
Think you can outsmart the little ole mouse, huh? Well, forget it! Rodents are clever and can easily evade you. In fact, they’ve probably been in your house longer than you suspect.
The absolute best way to get rid of rats and mice is through professional trapping and exclusion:
- Humane trapping — certified professionals use the right equipment to remove rodents quickly and safely.
- Seal entry points — mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime, and rats aren’t far behind. Every crack, gap, and vent needs to be sealed tight. Leave a spot open and they’ll come right back.
- Sanitize & restore — rodents leave droppings, urine trails, and nesting debris that can attract others. Cleaning the area makes sure it doesn’t become a beacon to other rodents in the area.
This process doesn’t just remove them — it keeps new rodents out as well. Trust me, like a leaky pipe, if you don’t fix the problem right, it can come back worse.
How Do You Keep Rats and Mice Away?
Mice, rats, and rodents are opportunists, and they are always looking for the best new spot to call home. These pests don’t really care where as long as it has food, water, and provides a shelter. Take that away, and suddenly your house doesn’t look so nice and inviting.
Here’s how to make your home is less appealing to rats and mice:
- Secure food: Store dry goods in airtight containers and keep pet food sealed.
- Lock down trash: Rodents love garbage — make sure lids fit tight.
- Eliminate water sources: Fix leaky pipes and don’t leave water bowls out overnight.
- Declutter: Piles of cardboard and storage boxes in your garage? Clean it up or expect to find a few unwanted pests using that as their new playground.
Things You Can Do That Will Keep Mice and Rats Away
Some rodent “hacks” are better suited for the movies or fictional stories. But here are things that actually make a difference:
- Snap traps & multi-catch traps — effective, but placement matters. Professionals know where to set them for results. Also, watch your fingers — these can be a pain for anyone not experienced with setting a mouse trap.
- Exclusion barriers — sealing vents, doors, and utility openings with chew-proof materials. Rats and mice can squeeze through tight spaces, so make sure it’s completely sealed.
- Rodent-proof storage — metal bins and thick plastic containers beat cardboard every time. Think of your food as money in a vault and mice as robbers trying to break in — make it impenetrable!
- Professional rodent control — DIY can work for one mouse, but for infestations, the pros always win. Experts can resolve your problem faster and keep them out for good.
What Can Keep Rats, Mice, and other Rodents Away Naturally?
Natural repellents may work short-term, but rodents are survivors, and they’ll just keep coming.
- Peppermint oil: Your home might smell like a candy cane forest, but rodents will eventually get used to it.
- Ultrasonic repellents: This sounds cooler than they actually are. In fact, some rodents ignore these completely.
- Cats: Yes, cats are natural hunters, but don’t rely on Mr. Kitty Kitty to get them alone. He may prefer naps over mouse patrol.
Natural methods might slow rats and mice down, but they’re not permanent solutions to keep rodents away.
The Verdict: What Is the Best Way to Keep Rodents Away for Good?
Rodents are smart, fast, and relentless. They’ll chew through wires, wood, and even plastic to get what they want. DIY repellents might buy you time, but they won’t solve the problem.
The only guaranteed way to keep rodents away is professional trapping, sealing every entry point, and a thorough cleanup. Anything less, and you’re just hosting the world’s tiniest houseguests — with the biggest appetite.
How to Get Rid of Rats, Mice, and Rodents – FAQs
Q: What is the best way to get rid of rats, mice, and rodents in the attic?
A: Humane trapping and exclusion — professionals can remove the rodents, seal all holes, and sanitize the space to keep them from coming back.
Q: Do natural rodent repellents really work on rats and mice?
A: Peppermint oil, ultrasonic devices, and predator scents may help temporarily, but rodents adapt quickly.
Q: How do I keep rats and mice out of my house?
A: Seal entry points, secure food, lock trash cans, and reduce clutter. Prevention is key.
Q: Can I remove rodents myself?
A: A single mouse? Maybe. A full infestation? Probably not. Professionals handle it safely and effectively.
Q: What attracts rodents to a home?
A: Food, water, and shelter. Easy access to any of those is basically a neon “Vacancy” sign for rodents.
Quick Recap
Rats and mice may be small, but the problems they cause are anything but. Here’s the bottom line:
- Scratching in the walls? Chewed wires? Droppings in the attic? → You’ve got rodents.
- The best way to get rid of them is humane trapping and exclusion.
- Lock down food, trash, and clutter to keep them away.
- Natural remedies may help, but they’re not foolproof.
- For long-term peace of mind, professional rodent removal is the only guaranteed fix.
👉 Whether it’s rats in the attic, mice in the walls, or rodents raiding your pantry, Alpha Wildlife has the humane, effective solution to keep your home rodent-free for good.
