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
What To Do With A Rat After It Is Caught
After successfully catching a rat, people are often faced with the issue of what to do next. There is more to removing rats in your home than just catching it. If you have caught a rat in your home, there are certain things you will have to consider before going ahead with any activity.
The first thing you will have to consider if you caught a live rat is whether to relocate the rat to somewhere far away from your home or kill it. Secondly, you will have to figure out the best way to handle the rat without having any close contact with it, so as not to put your health at risk. Lastly, you will have to make plans on how to thoroughly disinfect your home.
If you are sensitive to animals, the best way to handle this situation is to choose the humane way by relocating the rat somewhere far away from your home after catching it. But at the same time, you need to understand the fact that the rat might not survive in the new environment you intend to introduce it to. Rats are habitual and are usually accustomed to living in the environment they grow up in. When you relocate any rat you caught, it will find it difficult to feed in the new environment. In most cases, these rats don't usually survive more than a few days.
On the other hand, if you have decided to kill the rat after trapping it, it is best to kill it fast and quickly. The best way to do this is to use either a blunt object that is firm and heavy or use a fire weapon.
While doing all of these, you need to protect yourself as much as you can to avoid getting in contact with diseases and pathogens. To do this, wear a pair of gloves while handling the rat and dispose of them immediately after use.
