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
Why Glue Traps Are An Inhumane Option For Rats
Glue Traps Won't Kill An Animal:
A glue trap will not humanely kill an animal; the glue is not toxic in any way. A glue trap merely traps the animal in one place and ensures that over the course of several days the animals will die of dehydration, starvation, or eventually suffocation. Many animals end up removing their own skin and fur to get away. Some rats will even take off some of their limbs trying to get free and can be successful in doing so with glue traps.
They Can Be Harmful To Your Pets:
Getting a pet stuck in a glue trap can be just as damaging. If your pet happens to stumble across one of these traps they could end up with it stuck to their fur and the need for shaving or immediate medical care.
They Lead To Harmful Smells In Your Home:
Because the animal will likely die of suffocation this can often lead to the glue trap starting to smell depending on the area of your home that it is in. Rather than having harmful odors throughout your home, it would be wise for you to consider a different option that is much faster for killing a rat.
They Don't Remove The Problem:
Glue traps don't target nests and they don't take away the chance that rats could continue to breed and increase their numbers. Choosing a different type of trap could be a better option for targeting parents that can breed in the area.
They Don't Seal Up Other Areas Where Rats Could Get In:
A glue trap is a temporary solution and it will only work on the rats that you have inside your home. If rats find a different area to get into or they are able to burrow deeper, the glue trap will not stop them.
Rats Are Quite Intelligent:
If you have a glue trap that's in a regular spot, rats may soon start to avoid it over time. No matter how tempting the glue bait may seem, a rat may actively avoid a trap after it's been in an area for some time.
