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 Nocturnal?
Biologically, rats are nocturnal. These animals come out at dusk to look for food and carry out other activities, then go back into hiding at dawn. Their choice of coming out at dusk is dependent on many things that have to do with their natural behavior and biology. Right here, we will be taking you through some of these factors.
The first factor is that rats are silent animals and will prefer to operate in an environment with less noise. Their involvement with humans and special liking for staying in places close to human settlements will make them want to stay in hiding during the day time because the activities of humans during the day causes noise that they can't cope with.
Another factor that modifies rats to being nocturnal is the fact that their instinct only makes it possible for them to feel relaxed and active when there is less danger. This is nearly impossible during the day time as many of their natural predators will be active during that exact time.
Third, rats like are sneaky and will always prefer to operate in hiding without the occupants of the house knowing. The night has limited light and the occupants are most likely to be at rest during this time. This gives rats all the time and opportunities they need to carry out their rat business without any form of interruption.
However, rats are also capable of moving around during the day if they have a safe route through which they can travel. The routes are usually dark and safe even during the day when there are noises and disturbances from humans.
