Cook County, Oak Forest Rat Control Situation:
I saw your article about rats and you said to email with questions. We can hear rats in our walls and have seen some in other areas of the home. It is an older model mobile home that was previously rented and not taken care of well. We have tried to remodel but need to know if it is possible to solve this problem first or should we begin looking elsewhere.
Last night, I read your site and it is pretty good how to catch the mouse. I am scared to see or catch the mouse in the basement. I try to set up all sticky pad and snap trap with dry shrimps today. I hope it will be killed the mouse. Can you help me how to rid it of the basement? I don't know where the mouse came in the basement, how come? That is very grossed when the mouse runs around in the basement. Sometimes, I can't find it or it gone then later it comes back. WTF! (sighing)
I own a restaurant in south Chicago near Orland Park that is maintained, exterminated, clean etc.... As you describe it is the entry of the building that is allowing us to be infested. We are part of a building that is very old and I have had pest control, supposed rat exterminators come out and bill me and now my problem is worse than ever! I am in Orland Park and am asking before I lay out another grand if you can help guide me to selecting a company that will address my serious problem. I know the building has to be sealed so I know that is the first step. Any advice is so appreciated. I really liked your website for its information, as well.
Oak Forest 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.
