Having rats in your homes can be challenging. While they may look all cute and lovely, but beyond their appearance is a deadly destructor. Rats gnaw on clothes, shoes, upholstery, and others, destroying them in the process. They also bite when they feel threatened, and they are disease vectors.
These pests can wreak havoc in your house, so don’t fail to show them to the door when they are noticed you have them in your home. When trying to get rid of rats in your home, it is advisable to use the most humane way possible. In this post, we’ll teach you how to kill a rat in your home humanely.
Using Live Traps
Live traps are one of the most humane ways to kill a rat. It involves trapping the animal live in an enclosed object and then releasing it into another environment. This method of wiping out rats is the easiest and most preferable because it does not involve killing the pest and does not involve an outrageous cost.
However, if you would want to employ this method, then there are certain things to consider. Firstly, it is vital to check the traps in the morning and let out any trapped animal as the animal can die slowly and inhumanely of starvation or suffocation if left for a long period.
Secondly, it is important to make sure that the trap will not cause any physical harm to the animal. The trap mechanism must be checked properly before use to ensure that it will not harm the animal in any way.
Using Snap Traps
Snap traps are another method homeowners can use to get rid of rats in their house. This method is an excellent alternative to the life traps as you do not have to ensure that the animal is relocated. Snap traps are designed to kill any rodent trapped quickly and come in different designs, sizes, and models.
Using a snap trap does not let the rat die slowly. It involves using a baited area and a snap that traps the rat’s head, causing a quick and painless death. It is vital to use reliable and well-designed traps to ensure that the rat is killed but not left to bleed out slowly.
When using a snap trap, the setting is crucial. Make sure to place the bait on the marked area and avoid littering bait on other parts of the trap so that the rat will only be drawn to the trap site and the snap can effectively kill. Also, make sure to set the traps in vantage locations that will attract the pests. If done correctly, the traps will kill the rat; you can dispose of it, clean the trap, and reuse it.
Use Asphyxiation Method
Asphyxiation is the process of depriving one of oxygen. This method is achieved using carbon dioxide. It involves placing the rat in a euthanasia compartment and killing it swiftly by introducing carbon dioxide into the compartment. It can be a fast method if done properly, and so it is mostly recommended for people having rat problems in their homes. This method involves four steps:
The first step involves gathering all the ingredients needed to make the gas—a tube or hose to connect the gas from the bottle to the chamber. A sealable plastic bag or bottle, a sealable plastic container, and a bowl to mix the baking soda and vinegar.
Next, prepare the two chambers. Prepare the carbon dioxide chamber by pouring baking soda into the plastic bag and put the vinegar inside but do not mix them yet. Prepare the euthanasia chamber by placing the rat into the plastic container and securing the cover; use the hose to connect the two chambers.
Make the carbon dioxide; after making sure that the rodent is secure, the container must be airtight, and the hose must be well placed. Mix the vinegar with the baking soda in the bottle or plastic bag, mix in some white vinegar, and close it. The rat should fall unconscious as soon as the carbon dioxide travels through the hose. Add white vinegar to the mixture and wait for a while so that the rat dies.
Kill The Mouse With Blunt Force
This is another way to kill a rat humanely. It involves the use of blunt force to knock the head of the rat. This method can be quite daunting, so it is recommended for people who do not freak out at blood sight.
The method aims to destroy the rat brain and kill it in one strike, not hitting it multiple times and causing the animal excruciating pain. You can use heavy objects like a hammer to kill the animal in one strike. Alternatively, you can place the rat in a bag and smash it on the wall, or stomping on it is considered inhumane.
Fire A Projectile
Firing a projectile is another method of killing a rat. It involves the use of a gun. This method is only recommended for people who can handle a firearm. If you are one of those people that decide to use this method, ensure that you observe all firearm protocols as the weapon can be deadly if mishandled.
Low power guns are the most appropriate firearm to use in this situation.
This method is similar to the blunt force method as it also requires a clean shot, and the rat must be stationary. Shooting a moving rodent can cause damages to the house. Before you shoot the rodent:
- Ensure that the shooting environment is safe and that there are no humans or properties around that could be damaged by the shot.
- Also, make sure that you have a clear sight of the rodent and aim at the head.
- Quickly reload and reshoot the rat if you couldn’t shoot the head at your first attempt.
Use Toxic Bait Or Poison
Another method you can employ is the use of toxic bait or poison. People do not consider this action’s effect because they do not watch the rat when it wanders off to die. This is a cruel way to kill a rat because these toxins contain anticoagulants that cause internal bleeding.
They can cause very inhumane effects like abdominal swelling, excruciating pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, weakness, and bleeding to the animal before the rat finally dies. This method’s disadvantage is that the poisoned rat’s bodies can also poison other animals that eat them, thereby posing a risk to general wildlife.
Electrocution Traps
You can choose this method ahead of poison. This technique involves the use of a small metal cage to trap the rat. The cage delivers an electric shock to the rat that enters, which causes death through cardiac arrest.
A live wire is connected to the cage, which electrocuted the rat immediately it enters the cage. The humaneness of this method will depend upon whether sufficient current runs through the rat brain.
How To Prevent Your Home From Rat
You can prevent the likelihood of rat in your home by following the tips below:
- Litters and dirt attract rats, so the first thing to do would be to ensure that the house is clean.
- Dispose of all litter as soon as possible in a securely tight metal bin.
- Place all food substances in shelves and cupboards in containers with secure lids; make sure you store uneaten foods or half-eaten foods appropriately.
- Remove all dirt in yards or around the building to prevent rodents from hiding around them; all stored materials should be placed on platforms with spaces under them or above the ground to minimize hiding spaces.
- Outside windows and doors should be closed, and to make sure that their screens are intact. Metal trims should also be used to prevent rodents from gnawing on them and creating passage underneath them.
- All cracks and holes should be filled and closed to avoid rodent infestation; make sure to check the basements and garages for holes and seal them as soon as possible if you find any.
Consider Your Options
Make sure that you consider your options before you carry out any of the above methods. Ensure that none of the options will stress you or harm you. Consider the following when choosing your option:
- Your safety: Rats may be small creatures, but they can become quite aggressive and dangerous when they feel threatened, don’t expect them to come easy to you, and always ensure that you are safe. Wear gloves to avoid touching them and prevent biting. Please wash your hands after handling them because they are disease vectors.
- Suitable options: It is vital to pick the most suitable option if you do not wish to harm the animal. Try the life trap option, and make sure that whatever option you choose is okay for you.
- Best outcome: For the best outcome to occur, try not to agitate the rat. The best way would be to catch the rat by surprise. Shine bright lights at it and do not make loud noises.
In Summary
Consider any of the methods listed above if you want to kill a rat humanely. Pick one that works well for you to put an end to rat disruptions in your home.