Montgomery County, Philadelphia Rat Control Situation:
Hi, I have read your website and am hopeful you can provide me with some direction. I seem to have rats around my house. I see their holes along the side of house (under the front windows, not far from my porch). I don't see any evidence of them being under the porch, only holes along the sidewalk and under the window. Problem is I don't have any food for them. A year ago I paid to have someone come out. He put down poison. Now they are back. I have tried on my own to kill them with poison and gas flares, but I still see small holes. Is there anything I can do before they get into my house? This is a brand new house. I lay awake at night afraid they are going to get in. I am scared to death, literally. Is there something I put down? plant ? something? Please please advise. Warm regards, Lisa - Gone crazy. Be back soon.
That sounds more like vole (field mouse) activity. Rats don't really dig holes.
Thank you for responding. Do you have a website so I can determine how I located you. I think you might be right. I have done some preliminary research on the internet and I do have soft squishy spots in my lawn. One the rain has gone I will go and check if these are holes. Also, I lost most of my tulips I planted.
Contact A Wildlife Pro for excellent wild animal control, wildlife trappers, and rodent removal in Philadelphia.
Hi David, I live out in Bryn Mawr, PA and I need a trustworthy service to come to my home and help me with a living creature, I think it's a rat, in my attic. I have been speaking with many services and they all sound like they all want tons of MONEY to deal with this. I am very skeptical and need honest advice. Can you refer me to the right source, and someone who is not a THIEF and simply wants to charge a reasonable professional for fee for servicing my home. Thanks, Fern
Philadelphia Rat Control Tip of The Week
Are Mice or Rats Easier to Trap?
Intelligence:
Mice can often be much easier to trap because they are naturally curious creatures. It often takes just one or two days to capture a mouse after setting up a mousetrap. If you're having difficulty trapping a mouse you could consider moving it to a different location. Rats can be extremely intelligent and they communicate with each other meaning that any new objects will often bring about suspicion.
Reproduction:
Rats often reproduce at a much faster rate and this can make it difficult to control a rat problem if it's been going on for a long time. Most mice have around eight litters per year with around 5 to 6 pups in each litter. Rats can have between 6 to 12 pups in their litter.
Diet:
Rats can often be ravenous eaters and often require meat or a more substantial food source in order to remain satisfied. This can often make rats very difficult to trap because they can be so fussy about their food.
Size:
Rats have a definite size advantage over mice and this often means using much larger traps and some extra measures when it comes to keeping them in a trap. Because of the extra costs of these larger traps and the need to be more careful with where you set them, the requirements to trap a rat can be considerably higher than what it takes to trap the average mouse. Most rats can reach a length of between 7-10 inches and weigh up to a pound whereas the typical house mouse maxes out around 8 inches including its tail.
Tracking:
It's often easier to track rats because they leave larger footprints and they can cause a bit more destruction with their added size and strength. This can make finding rats throughout your home a bit easier.
