How to Get Rid of a Rat Problem

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On occasion, we have observed severe problems with very aggressive or determined rats. They may have marked their territory, are hormonally driven, and have a strong drive to preserve their adopted home. In these cases, a broader approach is necessary to persuade them to nest elsewhere.

Unfortunately, getting rid of pack rat problems is not a one-step process, but it is often a continuing process of control and elimination. Some female pack rats have been known to deliver up to five litters per year with each litter having as many as five young. The offspring may open their eyes between 10 and 12 days after being born and are usually weaned between 14 and 42 days. After around 60 days, most become sexually mature.

So, here are a few suggestions to help 

"Send 'em packing":

1. Remove all packrat nests or middens in the area.
2. Clean out all debris in the engine compartment.
3. Power wash the engine compartment and apply "Purple Power" or Biokleen to fully erase the lingering scent that the packrat has left. Be careful to avoid sensitive electronics in the area. 
4. Park the car in an area away from walls, buildings, and other hiding places with at least 10 feet of clear area around the car.
5. Remove all food sources from the car, such as pet food, birdseed, and hay, and old fast-food wrappers. Note that packrats like hay piles, especially when stored on wooden skids. It gives them a secure place to hide.
6. Don't park the car near piles of boxes, garden tools, or any place where the packrats can find cover from predators. Avoid parking near leaf piles and have them removed immediately.
7. Trim nearby shrubbery or cactus up off the ground. This eliminates their hiding places.
8. Use a live trap such as Hav-a-hart to "thin the herd." Placement of the traps is important here. Place the traps along walls or garage doors where you see evidence of packrat activity, usually marked by their "pellets".
9. DON'T FEED THE SQUIRRELS OR THE BIRDS!  Yes, they are rather amusing to watch, but their food droppings also attract pack rats! This also applies to those nice little packets of seeds that we leave out for the birds.
10. In some severe cases it may be necessary to add other means of protection. Sonic devices are an option when all else fails. Coyote urine is also said to be an effective deterrent. Some people have been known to place flashing Christmas lights under the car. Even though some of these things may be considered ineffective, they are certainly worth trying!