What are some humane ways to kill a rat?

A rat infestation can be a big nuisance and it also can bring major health hazards. Killing the rats may never be completely humane, but there are steps you can take so that you may cause as little suffering as possible to the rodents.

Asphyxiation by CO2 is one method that has been approved for the humane killing of rats. It is best if this is done by a vet, not an inexperienced person. Before this process is carried out, you have to be sure that the person is qualified and that they will not cause pain to the rodents. Even if it may not be an easy and straightforward method, when it is done in the right way, it is going to be a humane solution to your rat infestation problem. One issue with this is that you will most likely have to catch the rodents live and then take them to the vet.

If you do decide to euthanize the rodents on your own at home, you can start by preparing all the needed materials. You will need baking soda, vinegar, a cup and an airtight container. Place the rat inside the airtight container. Then mix the baking soda and vinegar together in the cup, place the cup in the container with the rat and seal the lid. The rat should eventually pass out and then expire.

You can humanely kill a rat by using blunt force trauma to the head, but you have to make sure that you kill the rodent with just one hit. The aim of using this method is destroying the brain of the rat with a powerful and swift blow to the head by the use of a hammer or another object. It may be a daunting or an emotionally taxing thing. If you doubt that you are able to kill the rodent using one blow, you may have to look for other alternatives. When this is not done in the right way, you may cause unnecessary stress and pain to the rats. The best method is to confine a rodent in the corner of a bag or sturdy sack before you strike it.

If you prefer a less hands on approach, spring traps are also known to kill rats quickly and easily. You simply set the trap with some bait and then check it regularly and remove the dead rat.

Go back to the How to Get Rid of Rats page or email us if you have any other questions about What are some humane ways to kill a rat?