Rats are among the most destructive and unsettling pests to invade a home. They contaminate food, damage insulation and wiring, carry diseases, and multiply quickly. The moment you hear scratching behind the walls or notice droppings in cabinets, you know it’s time to act fast. While many homeowners turn immediately to harsh chemical poisons, these can be dangerous for children, pets, and the environment.
The good news is that there are safe, eco-friendly, and highly effective ways to eliminate rats without relying on toxic chemicals. If you’re searching for how to get rid of rats in house naturally, this guide offers practical steps, natural repellents, preventive strategies, and long-term solutions to keep your home rodent-free.
Understanding Rat Behavior Before You Start
To get rid of rats effectively, it helps to understand why they enter your home in the first place. Rats typically invade for three reasons:
1. Food Sources
Rats are opportunistic eaters. Even small crumbs, unsealed food containers, dirty dishes, or open trash cans are enough to attract them.
2. Water Availability
Leaky pipes, pet water bowls, damp basements, and standing water make your home appealing.
3. Shelter
Warm, dark, and undisturbed spaces—attics, crawl spaces, wall voids, and cluttered storage rooms—make ideal nesting areas.
Once rats find food, water, or shelter, they reproduce rapidly. This is why early intervention is essential.
Signs You Have Rats in Your Home
Before using natural methods, confirm the presence of rats. Common signs include:
- Droppings (small, dark pellets usually found near food sources)
- Gnaw marks on wood, cables, packaging, or furniture
- Scratching sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors at night
- Grease trails along baseboards from their oily fur
- Shredded paper or cloth used as nesting material
- A strong musky smell, especially in closed or hidden areas
If you detect two or more of these signs, you’re likely dealing with an active infestation.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Rats in Your Home
Below are effective, non-toxic methods homeowners can use to eliminate rats and prevent them from returning.
1. Seal All Entry Points
This is the most important step. Even the most powerful natural repellents won’t work if rats can freely enter your home.
Check for gaps and openings around:
- Door and window frames
- Air vents
- Utility pipes
- Roof edges and eaves
- Foundation cracks
- Gaps under doors
Seal openings with:
- Steel wool (rats cannot chew through it)
- Hardware cloth
- Caulk or concrete
- Door sweeps
Rats can enter through holes as small as a quarter, so be thorough.
2. Clean and Declutter Your Home
Rats avoid open, clean, and well-lit spaces. A cluttered home provides more hiding places and nesting zones.
Focus on:
- Keeping counters free of crumbs
- Storing food in airtight containers
- Regularly emptying trash cans
- Removing clutter from garages, attics, and basements
- Cleaning pet bowls after meals
A clean environment makes it harder for rats to survive and multiply.
3. Use Peppermint Oil as a Natural Repellent
Peppermint oil is one of the most effective natural rat repellents. Rats hate its strong scent, which irritates their nasal passages.
How to use peppermint oil:
- Soak cotton balls in pure peppermint oil
- Place them near entry points, cabinets, and corners
- Replace every 3–5 days
Alternatively, mix peppermint oil with water and spray it around the house.
4. Use Natural Smell-Based Repellents
Certain strong natural scents repel rats effectively:
White Vinegar
Spray vinegar in commonly infested areas. Rats dislike the acidic smell, making them less likely to return.
Ammonia Solution
Place small open containers of ammonia in areas where rats travel. It mimics the scent of predator urine.
Onions & Garlic
Their pungent smell deters rats, but they must be replaced frequently as they spoil quickly.
5. Use Natural Rat Deterrent Plants
Some plants naturally repel rodents due to their strong scent.
Effective options include:
- Peppermint
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Daffodils
- Sage
Plant them around the home’s exterior or keep potted versions indoors near entry points.
6. Use DIY Natural Rat Repellent Sprays
You can create simple, effective natural sprays at home.
Chili Spray
Rats dislike the smell and irritation of chili peppers.
Mix:
- 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon of dish soap
- Water
Spray around baseboards, kitchen corners, and entry areas.
Garlic & Pepper Spray
Mix garlic cloves, black pepper, and onion with water. Let it sit overnight before spraying around high-activity zones.
7. Use Humane Live Traps
If you prefer not to kill the rats, humane live traps are a natural, poison-free option.
Benefits:
- Safe for children and pets
- No chemicals involved
- Rats can be released far from your home
Peanut butter, cheese, nuts, and dried fruit work well as bait.
8. Use Natural Predators
Nature has its own pest-control system.
Cats
A cat’s presence alone can deter rats. Even non-aggressive cats release a scent that signals danger to rodents.
Owls
If you live in a suburban area, installing owl nesting boxes can attract owls—one owl can eat up to a dozen rodents per night.
9. Keep Outdoor Areas Clean
Outdoor clutter often invites rats into the yard, which eventually leads them inside.
Maintain:
- Trimmed shrubs
- Sealed trash cans
- Well-maintained gardens
- Firewood stored away from walls
- No standing water
A clean yard reduces the risk of rats entering your home.
10. Use Natural Food-Based Repellents Indoors
Certain everyday items can naturally repel rats when placed strategically:
- Coffee grounds – Rats hate strong coffee smell
- Bay leaves – Rats avoid areas with bay leaves
- Cinnamon sticks – Effective for cabinets and drawers
These are safe, inexpensive, and easy to use.
11. Use Sound and Light Deterrents
Rats are nocturnal and prefer darkness.
Natural deterrents:
- Leave lights on in attics or crawl spaces temporarily
- Use ultrasonic repellers (chemical-free devices that emit sound waves rats dislike)
These methods help drive rats away without any harmful substances.
Long-Term Prevention: Keep Rats Out for Good
Natural remedies work best when combined with long-term preventive habits.
1. Store food in airtight containers
This includes grains, snacks, pet food, and baking supplies.
2. Fix moisture issues
Repair leaking pipes, faucets, and damp basements.
3. Maintain regular cleaning routines
Especially in kitchens and storage areas.
4. Inspect your home regularly
Look for signs of gnawing, droppings, and holes.
5. Remove outdoor attractants
Keep compost bins sealed and clean gardens frequently.
With consistent maintenance, you can keep your home naturally rat-free all year.
When to Call a Professional
Natural methods work well for mild to moderate infestations. However, if you notice:
- Large droppings
- Strong odors
- Multiple rat sightings
- Damaged wiring or insulation
- Nightly noises inside walls
Then the infestation may be severe. In such cases, professional pest control is recommended for safe and thorough elimination.
Final Thoughts
Learning How to Get Rid of Rats in House Naturally allows you to keep your living environment safe, chemical-free, and healthy. With simple natural repellents, entry-point sealing, and proper home maintenance, you can eliminate rats and prevent future infestations. By combining the methods in this guide and staying consistent with preventive measures, your home can remain peaceful, clean, and rodent-free without relying on harmful toxins.
