How Do I Get Rid of Rats in My House, Attic, and Walls?

You’re freaking out because you have a rat in your house. In fact, you’re avoiding that part of the house altogether because you’re afraid it will scurry across your feet.

Rats only stay where there’s food. So if you want to know how to get rid of rats in your house, attic, or walls—cut off the supply.

However, seeing a rat in your house is a sign you have a much bigger problem. Because if they’re inside, they’ve likely run out of food where they’re actively setting up nests: in your walls and attic.

So how do you get rats out of your house, walls, and attic?

I’ll walk you through it.

Table of Contents

Where Are These Rats Coming From?

Rats enter your home through cracks in walls, gaps in doors, and vents. They squeeze through like little gymnasts.

That cozy attic? It’s a perfect hideout, especially if food’s running low outside.

Rats will show up if you have pet food left out, garbage that’s not properly sealed, or even birdseed in your shed.

These little freeloaders will take advantage of any easy meal.

In Tampa, the most common types of rats you’ll encounter are roof rats, Norway rats, and wood rats.

Roof Rats: Also known as black rats, these guys have slender bodies, large ears, and tails longer than their bodies. These are the guys you’ll find on your roof or in your attic (they love their insulation). They are excellent climbers and enter through gaps or openings near the roofline.
Norway Rats: Also called sewer or brown rats, these are bulkier with a thick body, brownish-gray fur, blunt nose, and shorter tail. These rats are burrowers and tend to nest in hidden spots, like behind walls or under floorboards. They get in from under the foundation of your home.
Wood Rats: Also known as pack rats, these have grayish-brown fur, large ears, and bushy tails. They prefer wooded areas but sometimes venture into homes (where they, weirdly enough, hoard shiny objects).

What’s the Deal with Roof Rats?

Roof rats are the climbers of the rodent world, and if you’ve got an attic, there’s a good chance that’s where they’re hanging out.

They’re sleek, long-tailed, and have bigger ears than the average rat (cute, right?). They’ll use trees, power lines, or anything near your house as their personal highway.

If you’ve got a roof rat issue, try this to get rid of them:

Trim back any branches that give them easy access.
Inspect the outside of your roof for small gaps and cracks they might be squeezing through.
Block off their entry points with steel mesh or caulk (and no, peanut butter won’t seal that gap, but it works great for traps).

How To Get Rid of Rats in the Walls

The scratching you hear in your walls isn’t your imagination—it’s rats.

Once inside, they chew through insulation, wood, and even wiring, causing serious damage (and major repair bills).

Start by checking areas where pipes or wires enter the house. These spots are prime rat highways.

Use steel wool to block these openings since rats can’t chew through it. Then, set traps along these paths inside the house and near their access points.

And here’s a pro tip: Peanut butter or cheese might seem obvious, but believe it or not, rats are suckers for something with a little more fat. Try nuts or even bacon grease on your traps for better results.

How Do I Get Rid of Rats in My Shed?

Sheds are like the rat version of Airbnb—just with a lot less regulation.

Birdseed, pet food, and gardening supplies can all attract these pests. To make your shed less appealing:

Secure all food: Keep birdseed, dog food, and any other edibles in sealed containers.
Check for gaps: Look for small cracks in the foundation or walls. Even a gap under the door can be an easy entry point.
Place traps: Use snap traps baited with peanut butter near where food used to be stored.

What if They’re IN MY HOUSE?!

If you’ve spotted rats scurrying through your home, it’s either because they:

Ran out of food outside or in your attic/walls
Are avoiding seasonal chills and seeking warmth
Smell food inside your house and found easy access points (gaps in your foundation, around pipes, or poorly sealed doors and windows)

You want to be careful once you see them inside because rats pose serious health risks, like:

Diseases: Rats are known carriers of various diseases, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans through droppings, urine, or bites.
Allergens: Their droppings and urine can trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Parasites: Rats can bring fleas, ticks, and mites into your home, which can further infest your living space

In Tampa? Get a pest control quote!

Should I Use Rat Poison?

Here’s the deal: rat poison works, but it comes with risks.

If you’ve got pets, it’s a definite no-go. Not only could your dog accidentally ingest the poison, but a rat that’s been poisoned might crawl off somewhere to die, creating a lovely new smell you won’t soon forget.

If you’re set on poison, make sure it’s in a bait station that pets and kids can’t get into.

But honestly? Snap traps give you more control and less mess. Plus, you’ll know exactly where the rat ends up (and you won’t be hunting down those odors later).

If you want to be extra safe, hire a pro (like us!) that prioritizes pet safety when dealing with pests.

How to Get Rid of That Rat Smell

Rats leave behind more than just chewed wires and holes in your walls. Their urine, droppings, and nests can create a lingering smell.

Once you’ve taken care of the rat problem, do a thorough clean-up with disinfectant. Open windows, use fans, and if you’re still catching a whiff of eau de rat, it might be time to call in a professional.

Call the Pros

Rats are sneaky little creatures, and sometimes no matter how many traps or steel wool barriers you set, they keep coming back.

Hiring a pest control company might feel like a splurge, but it’s the most effective way to deal with a serious infestation.

A good pest control service will:

Inspect your home for entry points (inside and out) and nests.
Set external bait stations to monitor activity.
Check bait regularly until the rat population is controlled.

While monthly visits might be required at first, you can eventually taper off to quarterly check-ins once the rats get the hint that your house isn’t on the menu anymore!

Are you tired of these unwanted guests crashing your home? Talk to Nick and Eric from My Organic Turf! Our science-based approach keeps kids and pets safe while effectively dealing with pests.