Cook County, Chicago Rat Control Situation:
David, I have had a mice problem in my attic and basement for some time and this season it has been very bad. We have had exterminators come in and put poison down but we keep hearing them in the attic. We need to find someone who can perform the complete service as you describe on your website. I know you are in Fla and I am in Chicago, but do you know of someone who can help us? I live in Aurora, IL near Chicago, and we have a problem with some kind of critter. We have set spring traps, laid out poison bait and the only thing that they have done is eat the bait, but nothing has died yet. I don't know what they are, but I have seen the poop and it resembles a rat or squirrel, they chew around the clock and it's hard to scare them off from chewing once they begin, no matter how much we jump up and down on the floor. We would like to know if you service this area, and if not can you recommend anyone who does. We really need someone who will erradicate whatever we have, it appears that there are a few of them by now, because we can hear them in a couple different areas at a time. I look forward to hearing from you asap. Thank you. Denise
I've got a rental property (a side by side duplex) in Chicago Illinois, and currently have a problem with rats in the eaves and attic. It's a two story brick building, and the squirrels have been noted to be entering and exiting through vented openings between the roof and 2nd floor of the building. The tenant has reported hearing them in the walls immediately behind the vents, as well as potentially in the attic ceiling (it's a finished attic.) I've read enough to know that female rats often use attics as nesting places to have and raise their babies, and that is likely the issue we have here. Would it be possible to have someone come to the property and check on this situation? Thanks, Wick
Chicago Rat Control Tip of The Week
Black Rat Biology
The black rat (Rates Rattus) has likewise been known as a ship rat, rooftop rat, and old English rat, among other names. It is a long-tailed rodent that is native to Asia. However, it is found in practically all parts of the world today. Black rats prefer hotter zones, however, are profoundly versatile, and will look for cover in natural (woods) and unnatural (homes and structures) areas. It is bigger and more aggressive than its brown-colored cousin, but is more vulnerable to cold and has a more constrained diet. Black rats are generally omnivores. They are a genuine threat to ranchers since they will eat a wide scope of farming harvests, seeds, and feed. A large population of black rats can decimate a field of crops, or contaminate a barn full of feed and hay.
A common black rat is 5.02-7.19 in long, including its tail, and weights 4.12 oz. when fully grown. Notwithstanding its name, the black rat is normally not black. Its coat is typically extremely dark brown. In the wild, black rats want to settle in burrows made using the ground litter (leaves, twigs, etc.) found on timberland floors. In urban settings, they like attics and upper floors of structures, making homes from discovered litter, destroyed paper, and insulation.
They are also tasty meals for coyotes, wild dogs, and other predator winged animals. These obtrusive pests are difficult to dispose of once they move in. Talk with your neighborhood experts on approaches to shield your home from being overrun. Keeping your yard free of clutter, yard debris, standing water, and trash will deter them. You should keep all garbage in fixed holders, and pick up outside pet food and feed. Routinely check your home and building for cracks and openings that would give black rats a path to your home. Black rats are keener on living in their normal habitat than in your home; however, they will consistently exploit food, water, and safe shelter.
