Clark County, Las Vegas Rat Control Situation:
Hi David, I came across your informative site and was hoping you might be able to shed some advice on a situation. I have one single solitary mouse which I've had in my house for months! This thing will not go for any baited mouse trap, from a snap trap to a RatZapper. I've tried varieties of peanut butter for bait, bacon and anything else I found suggested online. This little SOB has eaten drywall and has gnawed clothes and so far I have been unsuccessful in capturing or killing the varmint. It won't eat the warfarin (blue) or the grain colored (beige) bait blocks. I've even tried the anti-freeze with no success. I really feel frosted and hate the idea of having to spend money on a professional to eliminate one lone mouse so I'm hoping you may be able to give me a suggestion I've overlooked. Thanks, Rob Lone mouse, huh? Have you tried sealing your house shut so that it can't get outside any more? Do that, and you'll have no problem catching it. House has been sealed for almost 5 months and checked AND CONFIRMED by two different contractors. I had even taken my house security camera system and set up the cameras in the house. One mouse and only one mouse. I guess it's something you can't help me with!
Las Vegas Rat Control Tip of The Week
Are Mice or Rats Easier to Trap?
Intelligence:
Mice can often be much easier to trap because they are naturally curious creatures. It often takes just one or two days to capture a mouse after setting up a mousetrap. If you're having difficulty trapping a mouse you could consider moving it to a different location. Rats can be extremely intelligent and they communicate with each other meaning that any new objects will often bring about suspicion.
Reproduction:
Rats often reproduce at a much faster rate and this can make it difficult to control a rat problem if it's been going on for a long time. Most mice have around eight litters per year with around 5 to 6 pups in each litter. Rats can have between 6 to 12 pups in their litter.
Diet:
Rats can often be ravenous eaters and often require meat or a more substantial food source in order to remain satisfied. This can often make rats very difficult to trap because they can be so fussy about their food.
Size:
Rats have a definite size advantage over mice and this often means using much larger traps and some extra measures when it comes to keeping them in a trap. Because of the extra costs of these larger traps and the need to be more careful with where you set them, the requirements to trap a rat can be considerably higher than what it takes to trap the average mouse. Most rats can reach a length of between 7-10 inches and weigh up to a pound whereas the typical house mouse maxes out around 8 inches including its tail.
Tracking:
It's often easier to track rats because they leave larger footprints and they can cause a bit more destruction with their added size and strength. This can make finding rats throughout your home a bit easier.
