5 DIY Rodent Control Mistakes That Make Things Worse
We see it all the time: well-meaning homeowners try to save money with DIY rodent control, only to make the problem worse and spend more in the long run. Here are the five most common mistakes and why they backfire.
Mistake #1: Using Poison Without Sealing Entry Points
CRITICALThe Problem:
You kill the current rats, but new ones keep coming in through the same holes. Plus, poisoned rats die in your walls, creating unbearable odors and attracting flies. You're stuck in an endless cycle of poisoning.
What Happens:
Ongoing costs, dead rats in walls, secondary poisoning of pets, and the problem never actually gets solved.
The Right Way:
Professional exclusion seals all entry points first, then removes existing rats. This is the only permanent solution.
Mistake #2: Sealing Holes Before Removing All Rats
CRITICALThe Problem:
Homeowners seal visible holes thinking they're solving the problem, but rats are still inside. Trapped rats become desperate, causing even more damage as they try to escape. They chew through walls, wires, and pipes.
What Happens:
Increased damage, trapped dying rats creating terrible smells, and you still have to unseal everything to remove them.
The Right Way:
Complete removal first using one-way doors and traps, then seal all entry points once you're certain all rats are gone.
Mistake #3: Only Sealing Obvious Entry Points
The Problem:
You seal the big holes you can see, but rats can squeeze through gaps as small as 1/2 inch. They find the tiny cracks around pipes, vents, and where different building materials meet. Missing even one entry point means failure.
What Happens:
Rats keep getting in through hidden gaps. You waste money on partial exclusion that doesn't work.
The Right Way:
Professional inspection identifies ALL entry points, including hidden ones. We use cameras and years of experience to find what you'll miss.
Mistake #4: Using Wrong Materials for Exclusion
The Problem:
Hardware store materials like spray foam, caulk, or chicken wire seem like they'll work, but rats chew through them easily. Spray foam is like candy to rats. Chicken wire has gaps too large. Caulk crumbles.
What Happens:
Wasted time and money. Rats chew through your repairs within days or weeks.
The Right Way:
Professional-grade steel mesh, metal flashing, and concrete are the only materials that last. We use materials rats cannot chew through.
Mistake #5: Ignoring the Cleanup and Sanitization
The Problem:
You remove the rats but leave contaminated insulation, droppings, and urine behind. Rat waste carries diseases like Hantavirus and attracts new rats with pheromone trails. Your family breathes contaminated air from the HVAC.
What Happens:
Health risks continue, new rats are attracted to the scent, and your home's air quality remains dangerous.
The Right Way:
Professional cleanup includes removing contaminated insulation, sanitizing all surfaces, and eliminating pheromone trails that attract new rats.
When DIY Makes Sense
DIY prevention works great BEFORE you have rats:
- Keeping your yard clean and trimmed
- Storing food in sealed containers
- Fixing water leaks promptly
- Regular home maintenance
But once rats are inside, professional help saves you time, money, and frustration.
Skip the DIY Headaches
Get it done right the first time. Our proven exclusion method permanently solves your rodent problem.
Free consultation and inspection