Brevard County, Melbourne Rat Control Situation:
David, I have trapped 3 roof rats in the attic and have heard more this morning chewing and romping about. I have sealed all entries I to the house with exception to drain stacks on roof. I can see feces in gutters but cannot see anywhere where they could be getting into the attic. I have been working with an exterminator for two months and he's out of ideas so I was wondering what advise you may put forward. Sure would like to get rid of them for good prior to breeding season. I am in Dallas Tx area. Last December our dog caught o e in yard, this summer I caught one in shed, and I caught one in attic and pro has caught two ... But like I said there appears to be more. We have a two story stucco house in Melbourne FL. Over the past 3 years I have caught at least 30 mice in our attic, all the while searching diligently and unsuccessfully for the entry point(s). I found a few possible places and have closed them off but still catch one or two a week. I am completely stumped on this. They are only in the attic as far as I know. We do have a dryer flap-vent in a below grade window well but that leads to the basement and we don't see them there. Is there any new "scientific" way to identify entry points? Advice appreciated pls -- Matt
Melbourne Rat Control Tip of The Week
Will A Rat Bite A Sleeping Baby?
Infections Rats Can Spread:
The risk of a severe infection from a rat is relatively low and if you happen to notice a wound that could be inflicted by a rat, regularly wash it and keep it dry. Some of the main concerns for infection include rat pox and rat-bite fever. The saliva from some rat species can also contain a series of serious diseases like hantavirus and leptospirosis. A bite from a rodent can also make humans more susceptible to tendinitis. Rats are also known to carry rabies so it is important to consider this as a potential threat as well.
The Appearance Of A Rat Bite:
Rat bites are usually a small and single wound that can also have multiple abrasions where the rat may have walked. It is fairly common for bleeding to occur with these types of bites. The bite will eventually lead to ongoing redness and swelling and depending on the depth of the wound, could possibly generate some pus.
Causes For Concern:
If you happen to notice a small bite, you need to consider watching for symptoms including muscle aches, vomiting, fever, rash, and joint pain. If you find that your baby is extremely fussy, this can be an issue and a cause for concern when you notice the look of a rat bite. A fever can also be an equally concerning factor if you know you have rats in the house.
Rats Will Go To Any Area They Think Has Food:
Rats don't care if your baby is sleeping, they will check out the area and look for signs of food. Making sure that you can prepare your child's room and rid it of rats can be crucial to preventing the chance a rat could infect them or bite them.