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
The Proper Way To Clean Rat Feces Out Of Your Attic
If you already know the dangers of having rat feces in your attic and coming in contact with it, you are most likely going to get scared and confused about how to clean it. When it comes to cleaning rat feces, you can't afford to do it the wrong way. Refusal to follow the due process might cost you more of what you are trying to prevent.
Since rat feces is a major carrier of bacteria and other disease-causing organisms, the first thing you need to do when planning to clean out the feces from your attic is to protect yourself appropriately. To do this, you need to start by ventilating your attic for as long as possible before entering. By doing this, you are simply expelling the contaminated air and allowing fresh air to go in. This protects you from breathing air that is contaminated with rat feces while in the attic. Also, you need to have equipment such as a facial mask, gloves, plastic bags, and a strong disinfectant in place before going ahead to clean your attic.
Just like every other part of your home, cleaning your attic is not that difficult. Provided you have all the supplies listed above, you will find it quite easy to do. To start, wear your facial mask and gloves properly and carefully pack the feces into the plastic bag. After that, dispose of the plastic bag safely.
When you are done with that, you need to soak the floor of your attic with a disinfectant and then scrub the floor until all the remaining feces are removed. Leave the disinfectant on the floor for 10 minutes to allow it to kill all the pathogens and bacteria deposited by the rat. After doing all this, your attic will be completely pathogen and bacteria-free.
If you find any of these is difficult to do, you can hire a professional to help you out with the cleaning.