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
Different Rat Traps That Are Humane
A rat infestation is a big problem for almost every household. If you are having the same issues, you need to understand the fact that you are not alone in this problem. Although, you need to take quick removal actions because the rats won't leave unless you make them.
To help you achieve this, we will be sharing different rat traps that are humane that you can use to remove rats from your home. With the following traps, you won't have to bother about rats causing a nuisance in your home anymore.
Glue Boards
Glue traps are perfect for rats nesting in an enclosed area. These traps are designed with plastic and a semi-solid liquid that is believed to glue rats to its surface when they try to walk on it. To use a glue board, all you need to do is place it along the routes of the rat. The trap will intercept the rat's path and it will be trapped in the process.
The only issue with the use of this trap is that you will have to keep inspecting it from time to time in order to dispatch the rat from the board when it finally is trapped.
Fenn Traps
Fenn traps are designed for use in tunnels. The design of this trap makes it possible for it to trap rats only and prevent interaction with other non-target species. It's a special mechanism that makes it possible to kill the rat humanely by constricting and suffocating it.
Snap Traps
Snap traps are one of the most commonly used rat traps and are most suitable if you want to trap rats in your attic and other places in your home with limited access. It also kills rats instantly and is very effective in removing rats.
