If you’re living in Florida and wondering how to get rid of rats, you’re not alone. The warm, humid climate and abundance of food sources make the state a haven for rodents. Cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa often rank among the top for rat infestations.
According to the National Pest Management Association, nearly 21 million homes in the U.S. report rodent issues every year, and Florida is one of the hardest-hit states.
You might first notice scratching noises in the attic, gnawed wires, or droppings in the kitchen. That’s exactly what happened to Lisa, a homeowner in Jacksonville, who discovered rats had made a home in her garage. She tried store-bought traps, but the infestation kept coming back—until she implemented a few strategic DIY solutions that we’ll share with you in this guide.
Best Way to Kill Rats: Florida-Tested Solutions That Actually Work
Rats are resilient, but you can outsmart them with the right approach. The best way to kill rats in Florida involves a combination of traps, poisons, and preventive measures tailored to your home’s layout and weather conditions.
Traps: Still Effective, But Use Them Right
Snap traps are still a good rat killer when placed correctly. Florida homes often have attics or crawl spaces where rats thrive. Place traps along walls, near known entry points, or where you’ve seen droppings. Peanut butter works better than cheese as bait—rats love it, and it sticks to the trap.
Pro Tip: Rats rarely cross open spaces. Place traps along walls and behind appliances, where they like to travel.
Best Rat Killer (Chemical Option)
If you’re looking for the best rat killer for Florida conditions, difenacoum and bromadiolone-based baits are highly effective. One popular choice among Florida homeowners is Farnam Just One Bite II, praised for its weather-resistant formula.
EPA: Always place poison in tamper-proof bait stations, especially if you have kids or pets.
Natural Repellents
Peppermint oil, ammonia-soaked cotton balls, and vinegar sprays can repel rats temporarily. While not a permanent solution, these help when you’re just starting your rat-proofing process.
Florida-Specific Tip:
In areas like Orlando and Tampa, rats often enter through AC utility lines and pool pump areas. Inspect these zones monthly.
How to Kill Rats at Home: Safe & Smart DIY Methods
If you want to know how to kill rats at home without relying heavily on professionals, DIY methods can be surprisingly effective. Most Florida homeowners prefer a combination of homemade rat poison, secure traps, and habitat modification.
Homemade Rat Poison Recipes
- Baking Soda + Sugar + Flour: This combo disrupts rats’ digestion and leads to internal gas buildup—something they can’t release.
- Plaster of Paris + Cocoa Powder: Hardens in their stomach after consumption, leading to fatal blockages.
Always place these mixtures in small containers near where you suspect rat activity.
Close Entry Points
Use steel wool and caulk to seal tiny holes in walls and baseboards. A rat can squeeze through a gap as small as half an inch.
Fact: Rats cannot vomit or burp due to a powerful barrier muscle between their stomach and esophagus. This makes baking soda-based baits very effective.
Florida-Specific Tip:
Check screen enclosures, soffits, and pool pump areas. These are common entry points in Florida homes and often overlooked during inspections.
What Kills Rats Instantly? Home Remedies & Fast-Acting Solutions
Sometimes, you need immediate results. If you’re looking for what kills rats instantly home remedies, these approaches offer rapid impact:
Plaster of Paris & Cornmeal
This combo acts fast—within a few hours. The rats eat the mixture, and it solidifies in their stomachs, killing them quickly.
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Surprisingly, instant potato flakes are lethal. When eaten, they expand in the rat’s stomach, causing death within a day.
Coke or Pepsi
Rats cannot release gas. A small bowl of soda can kill them overnight due to gas buildup.
These methods are ideal for small infestations or when you can’t access traps or poisons right away.
Note: While these remedies work in small infestations, persistent rat activity often requires a multi-step approach, especially during Florida’s rainy season.
What Food Kills Rats Instantly: Surprising Pantry Items That Work
If you’re tight on time or want to try an unconventional approach, here’s what food kills rats instantly and why:
Instant Potato Flakes
The starch expands rapidly in a rat’s stomach, creating fatal bloating.
Chocolate
It contains theobromine, which is toxic to rodents. Combine it with plaster of Paris for faster results.
Soda
As mentioned, carbonated drinks kill rats quickly since they can’t release the gas.
Florida Tip: Avoid using these in outdoor areas during rainy season. Moisture dilutes potency and attracts other pests like ants or roaches.
Fact: Homes that implement both baiting and exclusion are 87% less likely to experience repeat infestations.
FAQs: How To Get Rid Of Rats
How can I get rid of rats?
Start with a home inspection, use traps in active areas, apply the best rat poison in safe spots, and seal all entry points.
How to get rid of rats at home?
Use a mix of homemade rat poison, snap traps, and repellents. Keep your space clean and food tightly sealed.
How to destroy rats?
“Destroy” suggests total eradication—so combine physical traps, chemical baits, and barrier methods to ensure they don’t come back.
How to get rid of rats in yard?
Trim overgrown plants, seal garbage bins, and use outdoor-safe best rat killer baits. Florida’s citrus trees can attract them—clear fallen fruit regularly.
How to get rid of rats outside?
Use rodent-proof trash containers, install mesh barriers around decks or sheds, and lay bait stations near rat trails.
Final Thoughts: Win the War Against Rats With Confidence
Now that you know how to get rid of rats, you can confidently take back control of your Florida home. Whether you’re in Tampa dealing with backyard intruders or in a Miami apartment spotting droppings under the sink, these DIY tips and home remedies can help you tackle the problem fast and effectively.
Remember: it’s not just about killing rats—it’s about making your home a place they’ll never return to.
By combining proven traps, best rat poison, smart prevention, and even pantry-based hacks like instant mashed potatoes, you’re equipped to solve the problem safely, affordably, and permanently.