Montgomery County, Clarksville Rat Control Situation:
Thought I had a red squirrel in my 6 inch cottage attic space as I caught one before in a live trap on the roof. Never heard noise after that for a while. Now the noise is back. However I just read that red squirrels aren't nocturnal, is that true? It stirs in the night and sets my dog to barking.... but usually around 4:00 am though. Tonight about 2:00am I heard something in the kitchen and now there are feces on my kitchen counter and on the toaster over. They are black and look just like mouse droppings only very large. Do you think it may be a red squirrel or a rat? There are lots of red squirrels and mice in this remote area but I have never seen a rat.
I've been reading your site and really appreciate the info. If I don't have the stomach to handle this, or I don't trust my husband to do a thorough job, what should I expect to pay an exterminator? I live in Clarksville TN. The vermin are in a place in think is probably very difficult for humans to access.
I was reading your very informative article, and I'm having a problem locating the access panel for my new double wide mobile home. Which is really a pre-fab home with regular 6 inch walls. Is it possible that the crawl,space is accessible through the roof? I have looked very closely in both rooms, and closets. No luck. I've had a professional trapper come to my condo last week to set traps in the ceilings of my kitchen and 2nd floor bathroom. He sealed up any entry points outside. So far I've only caught one rat but I think I still hear scratchings at night. I haven't caught any for a whole week now. what should I do?
We recently started noting rat dropping in our house.. we live in a townhouse and most of the droppings were on stairs leading to first floor.. we immediately called pet control and they kept bait in the kitchen , 1st floor and attic..however rat is still coming in.. we are unable to locate the entry point and since sealed 2 places.. sides of dish washer and kitchen exhaust(lamp cover is open) ... we still see it coming.. place we live in is newly built townhouse.. 4 yrs old.. i cannot find a place in the ground floor as point of entry.
Clarksville Rat Control Tip of The Week
Will Rats Hide From People?
The survival instinct of rats leads them to be cautious animals. The fear of being eaten by other predators makes them live in dark places and avoid being seen in broad daylight. People who come in contact with a rat may have several reactions, but the most common one is panic trying to shoo it away or kill it with whatever they have on hand. This situation causes fear in rodents who will look for hiding places and avoid being seen again.
The Mystery Of Smell
Rats use their powerful sense of smell as an effective survival technique. Through odors, a rat can perceive a predator, including species that are still unknown to the animal. Surprisingly, rats flee from cats not only because they know they may be eaten, but also because cat saliva contains chemicals that cause fear when rodents detect them.
Rats Are Pests To Humans
Farmers usually farm in warm places with relative humidity. Likewise, city dwellers tend to have a busy lifestyle, so their environment can quickly lead to clutter and disorder. Both scenarios are perfect for rodents who need the shelter and food provided by a barn, a dump, a messy house, or a sewer.
Rats are quite practical and, if necessary, can adapt to living anywhere, even in a somewhat messy house. The conditions for living comfortably and reproducing are emphasized in people's homes.
Human beings can unknowingly provide rodents with everything they need to survive, turning them into a pest. Rats, being able to take advantage of everything, from rigorously stored food to napkins thrown away, are able to grow as a population. The main consequence of a growing rodent population is the damage to people's health.