Cobb County, Marietta Rat Control Situation:
Hello David, I just happened upon your website and found it to be the most informative site of any I've seen regarding rat infestation. Everything you said makes sense to me. My problem involves rats in my crawl space (under my house) over that past 5 years. It continues to be an absolute nightmare. In 2008, they did so much damage that it was necessary to do a complete restoration ($3,500) and since then, I've had no insulation under my house for fear that they will start nesting in it again. For over two years now, it's been a constant problem and no one has been able to get it under control. I'm on a regular maintenance program with a pest control company (Alpha Ecological) and they told me I have the worst infestation of any customer they've ever dealt with! It seems the rats are mostly burrowing in from a distance and coming up under the vapor barrier. (I have an adjoining neighbor who's backyard is a mess and my pest control guy found evidence of rat holes and bird feeders, but the neighbor is doing nothing to combat the situation because he said he's never seen a rat.) There is a bait station in my crawl space now, and it sounds like that should be removed. I also have three traps set up down there. But I'm wondering if I need to take more drastic measures like cementing the crawl space which would cost a fortune, and I'm not sure how effective that would be? It's so depressing, my real estate person won't even list my house until this problem is resolved. I don't really want to move, but am so depressed over hearing the relentless activity, it's makin' me crazy. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I left a message with the wildlife person in my area that was listed on your site. (Alpharetta GA/Cobb County) Thanks so much for your time and offering your knowledge!
Marietta Rat Control Tip of The Week
What Attracts Rats To Your Property?
Being a homeowner, you definitely don't want rats to infest your home and make it their nesting place. If you are concerned about this, you need to know certain things that can attract rats to your property and do all you can to keep those things away from your property.
In order to help you prevent a rat infestation, right here we will be sharing all the things that are capable of attracting rats to your property. By knowing these, you will be able to keep your property safe from rats.
1. Food Substances
Unlike other household pests, rats are not picky eaters. They tend to eat all kinds of food, provided they are placed where they can easily access them. The moment a single rat gets to know that your house has an abundant supply of food, it will invite others and your property will soon become a nesting place for rats. To avoid this, the best thing you can do is store your food properly and dispose of leftovers when you no longer have plans to eat them.
2. Pet Waste And Trash
Just as mentioned earlier, rats will feed on anything they have access to and this includes your pet's food. When you have pet food around at all times, rats will find their way into your home.
This also applies to having trash around your property. When rats want to hunt for food, the first place they visit is trash cans because they feel that your leftovers might be disposed of there. The longer you keep trash in and around your property, the more likely rats will be attracted to your property.
3. Dripping Pipes
Rats are thirsty animals and are always in search of clean water to drink. If you have dripping pipes or sprinklers around your home, this will tend to attract rats to your property.