Montgomery County, Dayton Rat Control Situation:
Thanks for your excellent web page -- But here's the problem we are having: some sort of squirrelish-looking, rat-tailed tree rat variety has already taken over our attic en masse. I have no idea how they are getting in. They first appeared when we were removing large, dangerous trees from our yard. One attraction may have been the bird seed in our storage room, which they chewed open the bags and made a feast of it all around. They pitter-patter all night, literally re-arranging the attic and storage room -- and sounding as if they are trying to claw through the ceiling. The number of them is truly terrifying when I enter the storage room. They haven't gotten into our house yet -- they seem content with the remnants of seeds thus far. How do we get rid of them?
David, I found your page while searching for how to get rid of rats in the walls. We hear them crawling around the ceiling and walls. We have seen them in our garage which is honestly full of junk. Last night, I went out there and saw one for the first time and it ran over all kinds of stuff and disappeared into a small hole in the wall. I put an electric rat trap by the opening. I have gone to the attics and see a few droppings in one but nothing like I saw in the garage. I have no idea how to get these bastards out of my walls and ceilings. I have tried putting my cat out in the garage but he hasn't caught one yet. Any help you can offer is appreciated.
Hello David, I just bought a house and the second night I was sleeping, heard attic noises and am sure it was a rat or mice, scratching. I got so shook up I couldn't sleep all night. Is there someone you could recommend to help me? I live in Dayton OH. Thank you!
Hi David! Iam going crazy with this! I have something chewing and spitting out little bites from my mats I have in my basement. I have a daycare down there, I have an exterminator for mice and water bugs once a month. But there is gnawing at my mats! With no droppings. I know during the course of chewing there should be droppings. And there is quiet a few sections if knawing. I was wondering what it could be?? Please help me! Thank you!!!
Dayton 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.