Wayne County, Detroit Rat Control Situation:
Please can you offer me some free practical advice to eradicate rats from my roof space, I am English but now reside in Brazil. Here in Brazil there are no such associations, councils to exterminate vermin, the only choice is either to employ local labour and hope he is being truthful about his qualifications, quality of workmanship, formal training etc. or to do the job properly do it yourself. For several months I have heard pattering of tiny feet in my roof space, the roof space being the area between the bottom of the tiled roof (pantile type tiles) and the top of the plastic false ceiling with only about 4 inches, 100mm in between so snap traps are not practical, I live in the apartment directly below the area contaminated and have not seen any rat droppings in the apartment, the area is approx 9 meters x 15 meters =126 square meters , 29ft x 49ft = 1421 square feet. The apartment is a first floor level approx 4 meters= 13 feet from ground level with no adjoining buildings. Am I correct in assuming that the rats enter up through 4 inch, 100mm plastic rain down pipe from the roof guttering? or up through the toilet sewage system through the u bend in the bowl and then climb a wall to enter the roof space, or do the rats scale the outside 12 meter = 39 feet wall and enter the roof eves. I am considering to remove all the plastic false ceiling to gain access to the infested locations but am concerned firstly that if I disturb the rats they will disperse and then return the same way they originally entered the area, secondly, if l remove the false ceiling will l be the unlucky victim to receive their bite, what do you suggest I do? Poison the visitors first? then if quiet after a week or two remove the ceiling and completely sterilise? (with what can you recommend). I am not concerned with the humane topic of eradicating my guests, they pay no rent. (KK KK ). Also it is my intention to fully enclose the rafters and eaves on the outside with either aluminium or galvanised steel mesh. If you can take time out to advise me, I will be very grateful. For your information a cross section sketch of my roof is enclosed to help you understand the constructional theme of my roof. Would it be practical to remove the plastic ceiling room by room, first destroying the nests if any, then sanitising ,sealing all access points of entry, then to move to the next room etc.? I would really appreciate any advice you would furnish, unfortunately I can not afford to pay your expenses etc. for you to submit a quotation, I can offer you though if you ever visit Brazil a nice glass of cold Chopps (Brazilian draught beer). Fondest regards and in anticipation of a reply many thanks.
My response: Yes, your plan to seal off the roof with galvanized steel mesh should work. But you have to seal 100percent of the openings. Then, trap, properly trap on rat runways, ALL the rats, and remove them from the house.
Detroit Rat Control Tip of The Week
Tips To Find And Remove A Dead Rat
Rats sneak into hard-to-reach areas. They sometimes end up dying of hunger, trapped by the walls or the elements of the roof. A foul odor can fill the room after a few days, causing discomfort to occupants and threatening their health. Here are some tips for dealing with this case.
Identify And Dislodge The Remains Of The Rodent.
The smell is the first tool to locate the carcass of a dead rat. Therefore, it is necessary to walk in the concerned area, keeping your nose near the walls, pipes, or the ceiling, for example. The carcass is located where the odor emanates the most. Equipped with gloves and tools like a saw, screwdriver, flashlight, etc., you have to create an opening to remove the carcass. It is important to disinfect the area where the dead rat was found to avoid more serious illnesses.
What To Do With The Carcass?
The law prohibits dumping any animal carcass in waterways, garbage cans, public roads, or any other place. As soon as the dead rat is dislodged, it should be placed in a sealed plastic bag. Only then will it be possible to put it in the trash. However, it is best to burn the remains if possible. Burial is also possible, but there is a minimum of depth to be respected.
