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
Should I Remove Rats Myself, Or Hire A Pro?
Disposing of rats is something you need to do, however the question is how you can achieve this. You can do this without the help of anybody; however, some would want to employ an expert. So which is the most ideal route to choose?
Let's take a look at the things to consider.
If you are certain that it is only one rat, then there is just one reason to hire an expert unless the rat appears to be sick. If you can't tell if the rat is sick, there are signs to check for and you should get familiar with these. Otherwise, it is just an issue of getting a trap, setting it up, and trusting that the rat will get captured.
There are traps that permit you to kill the rat right away and there are those that will basically trap the rat alive. If you select the ones that kill the rat, when it is dead, just toss it out and your problem is solved. However, if you decide to catch it live, take it to an area where it can't go back into your home and let it go. Ensure you wear gloves when dealing with the rat, regardless of which trap you pick.
If you find that there is more than one rat in your home, then it might be an ideal option to hire an expert. You might not have the necessary skills, time, and expertise to catch multiple rats. Rats are creatures that like to live in huge groups, so you will find that there can be thousands living in one area.
If you notice a spot in your home where they are living, then it is a smart thought to get an expert to come and take care of them. They won't just end the rat infestation in your home, but will likewise dispose of the vermin. This will keep you from having to deal with the problem at all.
