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
Do Rats Pose A Threat To Dogs, Cats, Or Other Pets?
Toxoplasmosis:
There is a parasite that mice and rats can become infected with that causes health conditions in dogs and cats. Toxoplasmosis can cause diarrhea and severe flu in many dogs and it can also change digestive tract functions in cats. This will often be presented as an early infection that leads to a severe flu that can make it difficult for your pet to enjoy a good quality of life. This sickness can also be spread to humans just as easily as it could be spread along to animals.
Roundworms:
Rats often carry roundworms that can be passed on to other animals in your home. There's a variety of medications that can be delivered to treat infections like roundworms. This can also be passed along to humans and if you're experiencing ongoing headaches, digestive issues, fever, or rashes it could be possible that you have been infected.
They Multiply Quickly:
The threat that rats can pose multiplies quickly because they can have an average of 84 babies throughout the course of the year. Working to manage a rat problem can be crucial in the earliest stages before it becomes worse. Without ongoing management of your rat problem, you may end up in a situation where it becomes more difficult to handle the population you are faced with.
Anxiety:
Rats may also cause anxiety in many of your pets. Hearing the ongoing noises in the walls, knowing that they're rather close by and even feeling threatened by rats can be problematic especially for the family pet. Rather than having the ongoing stress that rats can pose for your dog or cat, it may be wise to consider the option of getting a professional exterminator to manage the rat population in your home.