Hinds County, Jackson Rat Control Situation:
Had a rat tear off the insulation glued to the underside of my hood. He stuffed it in the heater box and other not so convenient places. Fortunately he didn't chew on a wiring harness, but it still cost me $600 in repairs. Are there any deterrents that will keep them away from the engine compartment?
I wonder if you could help please. I have some sort of critter living in my outside shed (also heard noises in the attic & cavity wall) I have put out trays of poison (one of which has been eaten) however the remaining tray now keeps being covered up with things lying about in the shed (ie, 3" plastic toy, paint scrapers etc & it's a locked shed, so it's not a human !!)) Have you any idea what could be doing this as we also cannot find any evidence of rats/mice (droppings etc) Any help or assistance you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Jackson Rat Control Tip of The Week
Do Rats Pose A Threat To Dogs, Cats, Or Other Pets?
Toxoplasmosis:
There is a parasite that mice and rats can become infected with that causes health conditions in dogs and cats. Toxoplasmosis can cause diarrhea and severe flu in many dogs and it can also change digestive tract functions in cats. This will often be presented as an early infection that leads to a severe flu that can make it difficult for your pet to enjoy a good quality of life. This sickness can also be spread to humans just as easily as it could be spread along to animals.
Roundworms:
Rats often carry roundworms that can be passed on to other animals in your home. There's a variety of medications that can be delivered to treat infections like roundworms. This can also be passed along to humans and if you're experiencing ongoing headaches, digestive issues, fever, or rashes it could be possible that you have been infected.
They Multiply Quickly:
The threat that rats can pose multiplies quickly because they can have an average of 84 babies throughout the course of the year. Working to manage a rat problem can be crucial in the earliest stages before it becomes worse. Without ongoing management of your rat problem, you may end up in a situation where it becomes more difficult to handle the population you are faced with.
Anxiety:
Rats may also cause anxiety in many of your pets. Hearing the ongoing noises in the walls, knowing that they're rather close by and even feeling threatened by rats can be problematic especially for the family pet. Rather than having the ongoing stress that rats can pose for your dog or cat, it may be wise to consider the option of getting a professional exterminator to manage the rat population in your home.