Mecklenburg County, Charlotte Rat Control Situation:
Hi David, great website and thanks for all the tips. I got a couple questions related to a rat trapped in my garage for the past 6 weeks. He got in because the garage door was left open and can't get out. I've place 4 snap traps baited with peanut butter in areas that he frequents as well as along walls. I've also placed glue traps in similar areas. This rat has avoided all these traps so far but he did trigger a bunch of smaller snap mouse traps that I placed weeks ago when I thought he was a mouse, and not a rat. Questions: 1.) how long do I wait for him to trigger a snap trap? I think he's pretty hungry since I took out any potential for food for him out of the garage. 2.) should I move my cars out of the garage for fear of him gnawing at the hoses/wires? 3.) do you think I can "flush" him out...remove all cars, boxes, stuff, places for him to hide and chase him out of the garage? 4.) can they gnaw through metal pipes? I still don't know where he is getting his water source? 5.) any other ideas/suggestions? Borrow my neighbors cat? Thanks for your help.
My response: That's very strange. If a rat wants to get out, it can get out. Why not leave the garage door open for a few minutes? How do you know it's still there?
Don't know if he wants to get out now that he has a warm place to live. I still see his poop and pee that he leaves every night. I actually saw him face to face as I was surveying the damage he is doing to stuff inside my garage. I am contemplating on trying to "flush" him out by moving all my boxes out so he has nowhere to hide. What do think about that option? Or should I just buy more snap traps? Or borrow a cat?
I guess you could try to borrow a cat, but that doesn't always work. Sounds like your current snap traps aren't working. Maybe a live cage trap?
Charlotte Rat Control Tip of The Week
How Can I Receive Free Rat Removal?
Rat proliferation has become a real headache. Over time, they multiply and can affect our lives in very negative ways. They are a vehicle for germs and bacteria, as well as various diseases that could be fatal.
An Unwanted Visitor Who Has Come To Stay
Even if you have the most rigorous cleaning and hygiene methods at home, in warehouses or food sales sites (supermarkets or restaurants), the slightest hole exposes us completely to this unwanted visitor. Rats are flexible, agile, and by nature prowling, so if they get the chance, they will come in and soon invite their whole family to stay in your home.
Ways To Get Rid Of Them
Rats are very fertile animals; in a matter of 21 to 24 days, a rat can have 5 to 15 pups, which will reach sexual maturity after 4 or 5 weeks. Can you imagine the speed of their reproduction?
You can follow these tips:- Keep all areas clean and totally free of crumbs.
- Keep garbage tightly closed at night.
- Make sure there are no cracks, holes, or any other entrances that will allow them to enter.
- Keep any water outlets closed with their grids.
- Do not leave dry food within reach of these animals.
But... What Happens If The Situation Exceeds My Abilities To Exterminate This Pest?
It is always best to go to the experts in rat extermination, but each town has a public health and sanitation system, which is responsible for keeping pests under control.
You can ask for an inspection, and they will determine if it is a public health problem. Prevention and hygiene will always be the best methods to avoid contact with these animals that cause so many diseases.
