Rats are among the most common, frustrating and highest-risk pests Baltimore homeowners face. With a rat population of around 48,000, these pests can infest just about property in Baltimore from waterfront businesses and apartment complexes to row homes and even single family homes in the suburbs.
These unwanted visitors are known to contaminate food, pose health risks, and even cause damage to your home. Whenever they are spotted, residents need to take the appropriate steps to remove them from their home right away.
While the city is actively applying rat contraceptives, it still has a long way to go until it can make a dent in its festering rat problem.
If you’re noticing scratching in the walls, finding droppings around the property, or have seen rats inside, it’s time to take action. This guide will walk you through the signs of a rat problem and the steps you need to take to get rid of them.
Why Rats Are a Common Problem in Baltimore
Baltimore has one of the highest rat populations in the US and offers all the right conditions for rats to thrive. Between its dense urban environment and waterfront location, the city offers all of the right ingredients for a rat infestation on your property.
The city’s historic rowhomes have aging foundations that provide easy access to premier hiding places, while restaurants and trash in alleyways give them a steady supply of food. It’s only natural that they eventually make their way into even well-maintained houses in the area.
Common Rat Species Found in Baltimore
Knowing the different types of rats found in an area gives you a better idea of where to set traps when eliminating them. There are two common rat species typically found in Baltimore, Maryland:
Norway Rats
These stocky “sewer rats” are the most common in Baltimore. Norway rats typically burrow in basements, crawl spaces, and the lower levels of a home.
Black Rats (Also Known as Roof Rat)
These slender rats get their name from their preference for elevated areas. While not the most common of the two, these rats can sometimes find their way into Baltimore homes.
How to Tell If You Have Rats or Mice
Rats and mice share a lot in common that can make it hard to differentiate between the two. Understanding what separates them will give you a much better idea of what traps and methods to use when removing them from your home.
- Droppings: Rats leave thick, blunt droppings about ½–¾ inch long, while mice leave slender, smaller droppings about the size of a grain of rice.
- Sounds: Rats are louder than mice and may make scratching, thumping, or gnawing noises at night.
- Gnaw marks: Rats chew through wood, plastic, even soft metal while mice primarily target insulation and wood.
- Grease marks: Both will leave smudges along baseboards or entry points, with those left by rats being much more prominent.
- Foot traffic: Heavy rodent runways may appear dusty or worn.
If you’re unsure of what you’re dealing with or what steps to take, you can always call in a pest control specialist.
Why Rats Are Dangerous to Your Home and Health
Rats pose a serious risk to your home and health. The constant chewing and nesting can cause structural damage to your property.
According to the CDC, rats also carry a number of diseases, such as hantavirus and monkeypox, further underscoring the need for homeowners to immediately remove them when found.
How to Get Rid of Rats in Your Home
Removing rats from your home is a mult-step process that requires dedication. The best results come with combining sanitation, proper maintenance, and long-term exclusion. Here is a step-by-step process for Baltimore homeowners to follow:
Step 1: Inspect Your Home for Entry Points
Start by looking for entry points that rats may be using to get in. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Gaps around utility lines
- Openings in foundations
- Damaged basement windows
- Unsealed attic or dryer vents
- Holes behind appliances
- Gaps under doors
- Cracked siding or trim
Step 2: Eliminate Food and Water Sources
Rats want the food around your home. You can reduce attractants by:
- Storing food in airtight containers
- Cleaning grease and crumbs promptly
- Securing indoor and outdoor trash
- Keeping pet food sealed and off the floor
- Fixing leaks and removing standing water
- Cleaning cluttered areas where nesting may occur
Step 3: Use Traps Strategically (Snap, Electronic, or Live)
Traps are among the most reliable ways to remove rats from any given property. These are the most common types homeowners should consider:
- Snap traps: Fast, inexpensive, and highly effective.
- Electronic traps: Deliver a quick, clean kill.
- Live traps: Humane but require careful handling and proper relocation laws.
Step 4: Seal Holes and Gaps to Prevent Re-Entry
You need to take the appropriate steps to seal your property to keep rats from returning and new ones from entering. Keep in mind that rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter and can gnaw smaller ones open.
Take the time to seal any entry points using the following:
- Steel wool
- Hardware cloth
- Metal flashing
- Concrete patch
- Door sweeps
Step 5: Clean and Sanitize Affected Areas
After you’ve removed rats, you must take the time to clean any areas they visited.
Wear gloves and a mask as you remove debris, droppings, and nesting areas, as disturbing them can send harmful particles into the area.
Following with disinfectant ensures no dangerous germs are left behind.
Step 6: Consider Professional Rodent Control for Larger Infestations
DIY solutions are great for dealing with a single rat or very minor infestation. If you’re dealing with a large problem, you should call a professional who can rely on experience and resources to come up with an effective pest removal plan.
When to Call an Exterminator for Rats
Every homeowner can benefit from letting a professional handle things when it comes to a rat infestation. If you can’t find entry points, are dealing with an extensive infestation, or simply can’t get your pest control approach to work, you should call in a pest control expert.
It’s the best way to get a runaway problem back under control or prevent it from ever getting out of hand in the first place.
FAQs
How do rats get inside rowhomes or basements?
Rats find their way in through cracks in the foundation and utility openings. Gaps between shared foundational walls make it easy for them to move from one home to another.
What are the first signs of a rat infestation?
Droppings, gnawing marks, and scratching in the walls at night are all some of the early signs of a rat infestation.
Are rats dangerous to humans or pets?
Yes. Rats carry diseases and fleas, and can contaminate food while causing structural damage to your property.
What’s the best bait for catching rats?
Rats are attracted to calorie-dense foods and strong smells. Peanut butter, dried fruit, and nuts all work great for trapping them.
How can I keep rats from coming back after removal?
Seal entry points, eliminate clutter, and properly seal your food. Ongoing monitoring and routine professional inspections also help reduce the chances of a rat infestation.