Are Rats Nocturnal? - When and How to Catch Rats

Do you know when the best time to catch a rat is? Believe it or not, there are specific times of day when rats are more likely to be active. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the behavior of rats and what times you're most likely to find them invading your home. We will also go over some tips for catching them, if you think they are lurking in your house or apartment.

If you're hearing strange noises in your walls or finding little black pellets around your home, it's possible you have a rat problem. Rats are not only a nuisance, but they can also carry diseases that are harmful to humans. A potential rat infestation is not to be taken lightly, so understanding their behaviors is crucial to keeping your home safe.

Are Rats Nocturnal?

Rats are nocturnal creatures, so they are active in most environments at night. However, they are also known to be active during the day on occasion, especially if there is a food source available or a large amount of clutter to cover their movements. If you have a basement or attic, the darkness will provide cover for them, which can make them bold enough to scrounge for food any time of the day.

Rats are generally most active at dawn and dusk when they venture from their nests to search for food and water. Some argue that they are also more likely to be active during the night if there is a full moon, but this is contested amongst pest control professionals.

How to Catch a Rat

If you're trying to catch a rat, the best time to set traps so is in the early morning or late evening when they are coming out of their hiding spots to forage for food. Like with mice, peanut butter is a good option as bait. Sunflower seeds are also moderately effective.

If you wish to kill the rat as opposed to just removing it with a cage trap, poisonous bait can be bought at your local hardware stores. Just be careful to keep it away from pets.

In order to effectively remove rats from homes, it is important to use the right kind of rat trap. There are a number of different options available, each with its own pros and cons. By far the most effective option is the standard snap trap, which quickly kills the rat with a spring-loaded bar. This type of trap works especially well if you want to dispose of dead rats outdoors, as it can be placed behind walls or in other hard-to-reach areas.

Another effective option is the glue trap, which uses sticky adhesive to immobilize rats and prevents them from escaping. While glue traps are not ideal for outdoor use, they work well for capturing small rodents inside enclosed spaces like attics or garages. Glue traps can occasionally be problematic as they are easier to escape from than other types of trap.

Finally, there are electronic traps that use a high-voltage shock to kill rats quickly and humanely. Although these traps do have some limitations—they require regular cleaning and can struggle in cold weather conditions—they are generally considered to be the best choice if you care about minimizing animal suffering. Whatever type of rat trap you choose, just remember that prevention is always your first line of defense against unwelcome rodents!

If you suspect you have rats in your home, the best course of action is to call a pest control company who can safely and effectively remove them from your property. In the meantime, try to keep your home as clean as possible and seal up any potential entry points that these rodents could use to get inside. By taking these precautions, you can help to prevent an infestation from happening in the first place. Don't count on just your cats or dogs to keep them away!

If you suspect you have a rat infestation, the best thing to do is to contact the professionals at Zunex Pest Control. Operating in the greater Puget Sound area, we will send one of our experienced technicians to your home for a free consultation.

During the consultation, we will inspect your home and help you identify any potential sources of food or shelter that might be attracting rats. We will also provide recommendations on how to prevent rats from getting into your home in the future. Don't let rats make themselves at home in your house - call Zunex Pest Control today!

‍