Fairfax County, Fairfax County Rat Control Situation:
Hi David, Came across your web page and thought i would ask you some rat advice. We bought our home 2 years ago and we renovated for 2 months, so no one lived here for those two months. When we moved in, maybe about a week into living here, our bedroom bathroom had a rat in the toilet. I was in there cleaning, heard water splashes in the toilet and bam a rat, after about 30 flushes it went back down and we never saw a rat around again. Today, I'm walking down my hallway, I hear splash in the hallway bathroom toilet and there I see the rat peaking its head out. I close the lid and again I flushed it about 20 times. Currently waiting for the boyfriend to get home from work to handle the rest. What is your advice? We have a 3 year old daughter who constantly is using the restroom on her own, and it makes me sad that I now feel like I have to a toilet check before we let her use it. Do we have a rat problem? Plumping problem? Thank you for your time and any advice.
Hi David, I live in Fairfax County VA. When my husband was alive we seemed to be able to control the rats (for periods of time) in our non-insulated crawl space in our ceiling. We used the rat zappers and would kill 4 or 5 in about a weeks time and have months with no scampering in and out. Now, they are back and just aren't going for the zapper (bait remains untouched). So, I read your website and will try to find trails and buy some snap traps. It is difficult crawling up there as the ceiling tiles are not that strong and I would have to remain on the beams or fall through. Before we would be able to lure and catch them close to the ceiling hatch access. No such luck now. I hear them scamper in on the living room ceiling, be quiet all day and scamper out same way coming from the opposite side of the house. In other words, they seems to run the length of the house. My husband used to try and find outside access but had no luck. I am 68 years old and some what hesitant on the ladder. I could not find wildlife removal agencies on this Island except through regular Wildlife Control type agencies and I'm not sure how knowledgeable they are. So, maybe you have some ideas or will happen to be vacationing in the area soon. Ha, ha. There are tons of macadamia nut orchards and avocado trees on this street, so, rat heaven. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have,
Hi, thanks for your helpful info on your website. Do you know how to detect where the rat urine is? Or should I spray everywhere?
Fairfax County Rat Control Tip of The Week
Is It Common For Rats To Die During The Winter?
Nature gave rodents characteristics to survive different times of the year. A very useful feature in rats when winter is coming is being more aggressive to make sure they obtain greater amounts of food.
These animals will eat a portion of their food but will save the other part in their burrows. Among the most common provisions are pet food, dead animals, paper, plastic, fabric, and seeds.
If Rodents Do Not Find Shelter And Food, They Will Not Survive Winter
Rats have the capacity to generate extra energy through different activities that help them to keep their core temperature. However, eventually, this mechanism is harmful since it can cause inflammation in their muscles and stress for generating that amount of heat.
During summer, these rodents at 4 months old have already had their first litter of pups. Throughout their lives, they can reproduce at least 10 times. When a population is exterminated, this can regenerate in a short period. However, during winter, their reproductive capacities slow down, so if a population is exterminated, it may not be regenerated.
Be Watchful
It is important to remember that these rodents easily adapt to any warm place in your home. They can invade the majority of places that surround you and move in the dark. Although you do not see it, your house might be infested with dozens of rodents.
Each rodent has an extra store of energy during the winter that will increase their need to feed. They will also shelter and organize in colonies with a very specific hierarchy.
With winter arrival, you must be watchful. One of the best options is to find a specialist to guide you with the most effective ways to avoid unwanted guests.
