Summit County, Akron Rat Control Situation:
Thank you for your generously informative and amusing website. I have a medium-sized brown rat living behind my fridge. This evening, I moved the fridge away from the wall, so that, at worst, my cat can intimidate the rat. The rat ran into an under-sink cupboard which never closed properly, but I have secured it. Maybe the rat won't come back out! If the rat returns, I'd like to set a Victor trap, but fear that my cat might break a leg or paw. Also, for 7 years, I've left dry food out for my cat all day (she's not fat), and hate to change my (her) habits. But this is what the rat has been living on, as I discovered when I did a preliminary cleaning behind the fridge. Any ideas? Thank you for your consideration..
David, Hi, I read lots of info on your website, and thank you for putting it out there for us. I know a lady who has had rats in her attic for several years. She has done nothing toward getting them out. As a means of bartering with her, I am trying to help her out. So, one day I got on the roof and cut down all of the tree limbs that the rats were using as ladders to get up there. One company told me they will not come out for less than $175 for that service. So I guess I have credit for at least that much. Now, what I need to know is this: She needs a serious clean up in the attic. The rats were living and nesting in there, and I need to know the value of putting the traps in and doing the cleaning. So, can you tell me what that is worth? I know you are in another area, but I am sure that the cost would be similar, as I am in Akron Ohio. I have other questions, but don't want to ask for too much now. Thank you, and please let me know the hourly rate of these services. Have a nice day---blaire
Akron Rat Control Tip of The Week
Are Rats Able to Swim, or Do They Drown?
Though rats are not the most desired animals to have around your home, you will be amazed by the incredible survival instincts these rodents have. One of these survival instincts is their ability to survive in water. Rats are excellent swimmers, with their legs, tail, and rhythmic body movements, they can wade in the water for up to three days without drowning
These special skills allow them to be able to survive in water if by circumstance they find themselves stuck in a bucket of water, bathtub, or toilet. In cases where the water body is not restricted by a container or an object, rats use their swimming skills to find their way to dry land close by.
If you happen to find a rat stuck in water, the best thing you can do is to remove it and relocate it somewhere far away from your home or anywhere you are. Refusing to do this and expecting it to drown will only cost you your time because the rat will try as much as possible to survive.
Rats do drown in water, but that will only happen after 3 days when the rat has exhausted all of its energy swimming with no way out. Only a few rodents have this special kind of survival instinct, this clearly shows how smart and intelligent rats are.
Nevertheless, you shouldn't allow rats to run around your house and make your home their nesting place. If you find rats in the water around your home, you need to get them removed and relocated somewhere safe and far from your home to prevent further reentry. Rats are a menace to your health, so you need to look for the best way to get rid of them quickly.