Bernalillo County, Albuquerque Rat Control Situation:
Hi, My name is Anna and I am a graduate student at American University in the Interactive Journalism master's program. For my investigative reporting course, I am working on an in-depth story about DC's rodent problem, in particular how the Wildlife Protection Act of 2010 may or may not affect how the District's rat population is managed in the future. The story will be turned in to my professor and presented to my classmates. I understand that you provide catch and removal services in the Albuquerque NM metro area. I'd like to learn more about the brown rat, particularly habits/adaptations to the District's urban environment. Also, I'm curious about the science behind the Wildlife Protection Act. Even though it is highly unlikely that rats will be protected, how would relocation vs trapping and killing change how the rat population is managed? One of the main issues presented by Mister Herman of the National Wildlife Control Operators Association is that the language in the law is too subjective in that it doesn't distinguish what types of rodents are protected, if any. Some suggest that the rice rat along with the deer mouse could be harmed by the law. Dr. Hadidian of the Humane Society was quoted in a WTOP article saying that he hasn't heard of rice rats in the area in his 30 years at the organization. People have had a strong reaction to this legislation and I'm trying to understand the controversy from all angles. I would like to speak over the phone sometime in the next week or we can discuss via email. Please let me know if this is something you are willing and able to do or if you have any questions. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Anna
Albuquerque Rat Control Tip of The Week
Is Trapping Rats Legal?
When it comes to trapping rats, there has been a misconception for quite some time as many house owners think it is illegal. This is nothing but a myth, so if you are planning to get a trap to remove the rats in your home, you are legally allowed to do so.
Rats are one of the most destructive household pests. Being carriers of diseases and different types of disease-causing organisms, they contaminate the surface of your home and any of your food substances that they come in contact with. Also, these pests bring in highly inflammable materials into your home and rip off electrical cables that are capable of igniting a fire. All these clearly show how dangerous they are to you and your property and why you need to get rid of them as early as you can.
Apart from the need to get rid of this major household pest, the use of traps is the fastest and the best way to get rid of rats. Although, the use of glue traps has been labeled by PETA and The Humane Society as an inhumane way of trapping rats. With the exception of the inhumane aspect of glue traps, the use of traps is completely legal.
So if you are thinking of removing the rats in your home, you can go ahead and use a trap.