If you’ve done all this and still hear a rat rave party at midnight, call an exterminator. They have tools and knowledge that make your DIY efforts look like a finger-painting next to a mural. A pro can find nests in hidden spots—like inside walls or under floorboards—and seal them permanently.
Think of it like this: you’d try to fix a leaky faucet yourself, but if the whole pipe bursts, you call a plumber. Rats are bursting pipes with fur and teeth. The cost of a professional is worth your peace of mind, your sleep, and the structural integrity of your home.