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Bait the snap-trap with a product such as peanut butter or bacon and then set the trap.Rats are naturally wary of new items introduced into the environment, so placing unbaited traps in the area for several days before baiting allows the rodent to become accustom to the trap. You also run the chance of the rat hiding somewhere to die and then you have to contend with the smell of the dead animal. Poisoned baits have the potential for children or pets to make contact with them, thus becoming potential safety hazards. Rats have been living side-by-side with humans for thousands of years, and though they have become accustom to our habits, they don’t prefer showing themselves unless the population is large, sick and food sources are low. Indications of rats in the cellar may be easy to identify, especially if you hear the scurrying of tiny feet when you enter the cellar or you might even catch a glimpse of one as you turn on the light.
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When the crisis goes unchecked, cellar rat infestations can explode in no time. One pair of rats can introduce up to 84 new additions to the rat population yearly, so imagine how many new rats can invade the cellar once the offspring start breeding, which happens around the age of eight weeks. Norway rats are more than likely the culprit, when it comes to cellar or basement infestations, as roof rats prefer elevated habitats and are more likely to take up residence in attics than in ground-floor areas.Īdditionally, it is important to note that rats can have up to seven litters yearly and with up to a dozen offspring in each, which can lead to rapid increases in populations. These factors create an ideal habitat for rats to make their home. Fortunately, homeowners have options in identifying and controlling the problem, as well as preventing future rat infestations in cellars.Ĭellars make the perfect spot for rats to take up residence they are dark, human activity is usually minimal, the area is generally used for storage and many cellars are cool and moist.