Alameda County, Oakland Rat Control Situation:
I read your website on safe removal of rats and sealing up the entry. Could you answer some more questions on this topic? Several weeks ago, I discovered that I had a rat problem in the backyard. I thought the fancy tricks would work. They did not. Still have the rats. They are eating the dogs food and drinking their water. Thankfully, the dogs are vaccinated. I called the exterminator who had to put out poison in a secure area. Its been a few days over a week and I do not see or hear rats outside. Thought we were good! But, now I hear scratching, or chewing in the kitchen wall. Yes. IN the wall. I am freaked out! I did buy a cat (which I am allergic too, but in desperate times we take desperate measures.) I thought she could take care of anything that might happen ( I know these damn rats can eat through anything!) They ate through the dogs plastic bucket where their food was held. I have two small children. I am concerned for their safety. Who do I call to look for entries into the house? How will they seal the entries? I think it is under the siding. Years ago, I had the bottom siding replaced. I think they did not do a good job, so things are getting in..under and up. How will an exterminator get these rats out of the wall??? I am scared...for my kids...for me...for my house getting ruined. I just got laid off (at the end of the school year because of budget cuts ... I am a special education teacher). Can you offer advise on this. I am not sure what to do. Thanks.
My response: Rats in the wall isn't a big deal. They won't get you sick or anything. But as I've said on my website, you have to inspect the house and find out how the rodents are getting inside. Seal up every single last entry/exit hole and gap with steel. Trap, properly trap on rat runways, ALL the rats, and remove them from the house. If they are STUCK down a wall, you will have to cut a hole in the wall to remove them. But it's rare that they get stuck. As far as finding those entry holes, it's not always easy. Where do you live?
Wow! Rats in the wall not a big deal is NOT what I thought you would say. Sort of happy about that, really. I live in Oakland CA. I did look on your website for wildlife removers and did find a company you listed that handles these matters. I called them first thing this morning and left a message requesting their suppport. My questions are: 1. How will they get them out of the WALL???? I can hear them chewing and scratching. It is right next to two outlets (on either side of the wall). I worry that they will eat the electrical wire and cause a fire. I also worry that they will eat through the dry wall and come into the house (hence the cat...she knows her job). 2. Who do I call to fix the entry way problem that is allowing these pests to get in? 3. Am I in for a huge mess...and expense? 4. Is there a way to make the rats gone forever? I can deal with snakes, spiders, scorpions and mice, but rats are a whole different issue. Thanks for your reply. I sure do appreciate the support. In service, Judy
My response: I don't know what else to say. It's not a hard job. Very standard. Your wildlife company has to find out how they are getting in, and seal those ares shut with steel. Unless the rats are stuck in the wall, it's a normal job. If they are stuck, your wildlife company cuts a hole and fixes it afterward. The rats are gone forever once the entry holes are all sealed.
Oakland Rat Control Tip of The Week
Rats And Black Pepper
Rats eat almost anything. In their search for food, they can gnaw on plastic, wood, and even electrical wiring. A rat presence in your home can cause a lot of economic damage.
When this expense is added to the health problems rats' body fluids can cause, the best thing a person can do is getting them out of the house as soon as possible. The most common extermination way is using traps or rodenticides. However, there are more natural methods such as the use of peppers that cause unpleasant odors and tastes for the rodent and quickly drive them away.
Odors That Repel
Using repellents with unpleasant odors for rats is a way to keep them away from you in a friendly way. The advantage of not having to deal with the rodent's carcass can be worth the effort of constantly using these temporary methods. Rodents use their sense of smell to socialize as well as to survive. An odor such as ammonia often drives them away because it is very similar to the urine of large animals that could devour them. Spicy odors are perceived as dangerous chemicals that are also often avoided at all costs.
Black Pepper
Spicy food odors are unbearable for rats, thanks to their high capsaicin content. These natural compounds give the food its spicy effect, but they are also often very irritating to the mucous membranes and lungs of rodents. If ingested, they can cause a burning sensation in the taste buds and olfactory glands. Pepper is known to be able to scare away rats temporarily although this is not scientifically proven.
For all those people who are afraid of having to deal with poisons or homemade traps, finding new and less harmful options is a headache; however, homemade repellents like black pepper avoid harming other animals and humans, being a perfect choice. In any case, even if they are harmless odors, it is advisable to seek the advice and follow the instructions of a professional in the field.
