Cumberland County, Fayetteville Rat Control Situation:
Found about 3 or 4 of these in my greenhouse. Poop is about 3/4 of an inch long. Some of the others had a white piece of stuff attached to the end but it disintegrated when I tried to move it. I had to wet this a little so you could see it cause it had mold growing on it. Also it did not appear to be completely round. I think it was ever so slightly oval. I've had a rat issue around my home before when I used to have a rabbit, probably the same type that lives underground? Is it true that rats will not stay in places that are open? I was thinking I should leave the greenhouse door open. It's not glass, it's screen with a tin roof. (I staple plastic up in the winter). I live in NE Florida. Thanks in advance for your input. Much appreciated.
Hi David, I have had Exterminators out to my house and they claimed to have closed up any openings in my attic however I am still hearing the noises in my attic. There has also been a raccoon and possums that sit on the fence at night and drive my dogs crazy. I don't think they could be in the attic at night. When the exterminator was here they caught 2 rats in the attic and one outside. I believe there is another one caught outside on the side of the house. I want to know what I can do or how much you charge to take care of the rat problem I am having. I live in La Verne. I would appreciate any help you could give me. I have been dealing with this for a long time.
Fayetteville Rat Control Tip of The Week
Rats And Black Pepper
Rats eat almost anything. In their search for food, they can gnaw on plastic, wood, and even electrical wiring. A rat presence in your home can cause a lot of economic damage.
When this expense is added to the health problems rats' body fluids can cause, the best thing a person can do is getting them out of the house as soon as possible. The most common extermination way is using traps or rodenticides. However, there are more natural methods such as the use of peppers that cause unpleasant odors and tastes for the rodent and quickly drive them away.
Odors That Repel
Using repellents with unpleasant odors for rats is a way to keep them away from you in a friendly way. The advantage of not having to deal with the rodent's carcass can be worth the effort of constantly using these temporary methods. Rodents use their sense of smell to socialize as well as to survive. An odor such as ammonia often drives them away because it is very similar to the urine of large animals that could devour them. Spicy odors are perceived as dangerous chemicals that are also often avoided at all costs.
Black Pepper
Spicy food odors are unbearable for rats, thanks to their high capsaicin content. These natural compounds give the food its spicy effect, but they are also often very irritating to the mucous membranes and lungs of rodents. If ingested, they can cause a burning sensation in the taste buds and olfactory glands. Pepper is known to be able to scare away rats temporarily although this is not scientifically proven.
For all those people who are afraid of having to deal with poisons or homemade traps, finding new and less harmful options is a headache; however, homemade repellents like black pepper avoid harming other animals and humans, being a perfect choice. In any case, even if they are harmless odors, it is advisable to seek the advice and follow the instructions of a professional in the field.
