Orange County, Anaheim Rat Control Situation:
David, I was able to find your article on rats in the walls which I think I have at my home. It is very disturbing because it is loud scratching of the walls in the mornings all different areas of the home. Do you make calls to homeowners to help find and help them with their problems? If so, what number may I call you to set something up to come to my home and help me? I have been told to call an exterminator. Thank you in advance, Sharon
David - I have been looking at your site and am very impressed. I live near the water in dense vegetation and have an ongoing rat problem. I have tried plenty and your site mirrors what to do and not to do. I have just spent 2 full days sealing the underfloor area of my house and am about to close off some air-conditioning pipe ducting. I would like to put a one-way funnel on the last access point for a few days before I then seal it off completely. Hopefully to help any unwanted residents to depart. I am wondering what size opening you have been using on your one way funnels? I know this is a difficult question, but any sort of guide will help.Traps are awkward for me as I have roofspaces that are inaccessable to humans without wall removal. Thanks so much. Stephen Anaheim CA.
Hi David, I have at least one rat in my ceiling with no way to get to it short of cutting through the drywall. I have a suspicion how they're getting in, and want to close it up, but I'd like to do so when the chances are greatest that he's out looking for water or whatnot. Is there a time of day or night when it's most likely that he'll be out? I live in Los Angeles where the weather is dry and increasingly warm. Thanks, Craig
Anaheim Rat Control Tip of The Week
Are Mice or Rats Easier to Trap?
Intelligence:
Mice can often be much easier to trap because they are naturally curious creatures. It often takes just one or two days to capture a mouse after setting up a mousetrap. If you're having difficulty trapping a mouse you could consider moving it to a different location. Rats can be extremely intelligent and they communicate with each other meaning that any new objects will often bring about suspicion.
Reproduction:
Rats often reproduce at a much faster rate and this can make it difficult to control a rat problem if it's been going on for a long time. Most mice have around eight litters per year with around 5 to 6 pups in each litter. Rats can have between 6 to 12 pups in their litter.
Diet:
Rats can often be ravenous eaters and often require meat or a more substantial food source in order to remain satisfied. This can often make rats very difficult to trap because they can be so fussy about their food.
Size:
Rats have a definite size advantage over mice and this often means using much larger traps and some extra measures when it comes to keeping them in a trap. Because of the extra costs of these larger traps and the need to be more careful with where you set them, the requirements to trap a rat can be considerably higher than what it takes to trap the average mouse. Most rats can reach a length of between 7-10 inches and weigh up to a pound whereas the typical house mouse maxes out around 8 inches including its tail.
Tracking:
It's often easier to track rats because they leave larger footprints and they can cause a bit more destruction with their added size and strength. This can make finding rats throughout your home a bit easier.
