Author: Alpha Wildlife
Credentials: NWCOA Certified Wildlife Control Operators
Description: Veteran-owned wildlife removal specialists serving TN, SC, & KY since 2018
Last Updated: June 23, 2026
Quick Answer:
Even though rats and mice are tiny creatures, they can cause thousands of dollars in damages for homeowners if an infestation is left unchecked. The best way to get rid of these rodents is through professional trapping, removal, & exclusion services. This eliminates your rodent problem and prevents it from happening again. If you want to take steps to keep rats and mice away, make your home less desirable for them. Remove all outdoor food (bird feeders, pet food, etc.), secure trash cans, reduce clutter inside your home, and secure any gaps or open areas into your residence. Natural deterrents might provide temporary relief, but they are not long-term solutions.
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. Click here to book a free rodent inspection of your home!
Rodent Problems? We Can Help You!
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.
Rats or Mice in Your Home? Here’s What You Need to do
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.
Here’s what you should do:
Before you stress out, first look for signs of rodent activity: If you find rodent droppings, gnaw marks, chewed food packaging, or scratching on the walls, you definitely have some unwanted pests.
Don’t try to grab them. Remember, they bite: Trying to catch a rat or mouse with your bare hands is like grabbing a cactus with your bare hands. It’s not the smartest idea. A single bite from a rat or mouse can transmit harmful diseases to you. Best thing to do is keep your distance.
Don’t be afraid to call an expert: You might try to solve all of your home repair problems on your own , but this is not a simple home project. If you miss a gap or entry point into your home, the pests will almost always return. Wildlife removal professionals (Alpha Wildlife) can easily remove rats, mice, and other rodents from your home. They can also seal the entry points to prevent a secondary infestation.
What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Rats & Mice?
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:
Inspection, trapping, & removal: our certified technicians will evaluate your property, find all of the intrusive pests, and use approved methods to remove them from your home.
Exclusionary Measures: All gaps must be professionally sealed otherwise the critters will come back. Our team seals all entry points and offers damage repair services to get your home back to normal.
Ignoring the problem will not help you and simply putting traps out won’t help either. If you truly want to solve your rodent problem, give us a call today!
How Do You Keep Rats and Mice Away?
Mice, rats, and rodents are always looking for a new spot to call home. As long as the place offers food, water, and shelter, they’ll take anything. However, if you make your home less desirable for rats and mice, they would rather go somewhere else.
Here’s how to make your home is less appealing to rodents and other pests:
No outdoor food: Bring any pet food bowls inside and move bird feeders far away from your home.
Prevent access to garbage cans: Secure your trash can lids with heavy rocks, bungee cords, etc. Anything to keep the lids sealed.
Keep your home clean: Close all food containers in your pantry, vacuum up any crumbs in your living room, & throw away all open food on your countertops.
Remember, the best way to keep rodents away is to make your home as unappealing as possible.
Things You Can Do To Keep Rodents Away
I’m sure you’ve heard of a few stories or seen hacks on TikTok for how to keep rats and mice away. Well, I hate to break it to you, but some of those are inaccurate or just don’t work.
But here are things that do make a difference:
Snap traps: They definitely work, but it depends on where you put them. When our team performs an inspection of your home, they look for the best places to put traps to catch all of the critters. That’s honestly why inspections are so important. Also, watch your fingers with snap traps, these things will make you drop some major expletives if they snap on you.
Proper exclusionary barriers: Replace damaged crawlspace vents, repair damaged areas, and seal entry points to keep pests out for good.
Professional rodent control: This keeps things as simple as possible. Instead of wasting time with sticky traps or ineffective rodent deterrents, the professionals can provide customized plans to rodent-proof your home.
Our team offers free inspections as well as flexible financing options. Contact us today for fast results!
What Are Natural Ways To Keep Rats, Mice, and other Rodents Away From My Home?
Sounds nice and easy, right? But does it work. No, it doesn’t.
Even if the critters stay away for a short period, they will eventually overcome the natural deterrents and make their way back into your home.
Peppermint oil, garlic, or other strong scents: Peppermint oil might make your home smell like a candy cane forest, but rodents don’t care. No strong scent can truly keep them away.
Ultrasonic repellents: These products sounds great, but there is little evidence to suggest they work and most rodents just ignore these completely.
Animals: Yes, cats are great hunters and dogs are excellent protectors. However, that does not mean rats will stay away. I’ve heard stories where homeowners have seen rodents run within a few feet of their pet and they did nothing.
Natural methods sound nice, but they are not effective for long-term situations. Save your time, go with the professionals first.
The Verdict: What Is the Best Way to Keep Rodents Away for Good?
The only guaranteed way to keep rodents away is by making your home less appealing to rodents and by using professional trapping, removal, & exclusion services. Don’t waste your time with natural deterrents that aren’t proven to work.
Contact Alpha Wildlife today if you need professional rat, mice, or rodent removal services. Book your free inspection now!
How to Get Rid of Rats, Mice, and Rodents – FAQs
What is the best way to get rid of rats, mice, and rodents in the attic?
Humane trapping and exclusion — professionals can remove the rodents, seal all holes, and sanitize the space to keep them from coming back.
Do natural rodent repellents really work on rats and mice?
Peppermint oil, ultrasonic devices, and predator scents may help temporarily, but rodents adapt quickly.
How do I keep rats and mice out of my house?
Seal entry points, secure food, lock trash cans, and reduce clutter. Prevention is key.
What attracts rodents to a home?
Food, water, and shelter. Easy access to any of those is basically a neon “Vacancy” sign for rodents.