Collin County, Plano Rat Control Situation:
Hello David: I have two Scottish Terriers who have been barking more than usual (scary picture isn't it) and obsessed with sniffing, following a trail etc. and I thought it might be mice which we had about three years ago and got rid of them via Wildlife Control's traps and advice (re patching everywhere and plugging holes etc.). It is an exceptionally hot place to live in the summer months, we live in an arid region north of Dallas, near Plano TX. Rats (to me) are entirely the stuff of nightmares and I am going away in August and the dogs are going into a kennel for the month of August. All I could think was about was that without the dogs on-site, they could start invading the kitchen and then the rest of the house and I am sick with worry and fear which I think has become unbearable partially because my husband died here from pancreatic cancer and we had moved here to enjoy hot summers in our retirement. I quickly read through several areas of your website and you say not to hire a pest control company. Would that apply to Wildlife Control or are they diversified enough to cover rodents? I was talking to the service agent (John) who we met with the mouse invasion and he was saying there are a lot of rats in Plano. He has put traps out in the basement sized for the small black rats that you mention would be in an attic normally and who knows if they are although I haven't heard anything. Aren't the huge Norwegian rats normally found around wharfs, ships and water in general? Is that just a myth? He will also come in mid month and remove any dead rat bodies. Do you have any advice to help me cover this problem? Finding a reliable handyman here is also a problem we were ‘just lucky' last time and as far as we could see very effective with patching up holes, large and small. I hope you will have time to reply, I'm taking meds now for my anxiety and one panic attack. Not the way I would like to live.
Can a rat climb up a wall and get to then soffit and chew a hole in the vent screen. I am buying a house were there was a rats in the attic and there were a lot of holes in the screens.
Plano Rat Control Tip of The Week
How Can I Get Rid Of A Rat In My Bedroom?
Fill In Gaps And Cracks:
It's likely that there could be areas across your bedroom where rats can easily enter into your home. This could mean filling in cracks and gaps along the baseboard of your room or at the top of your room where the ceiling meets it. Filling in these gaps and cracks will make sure that a rat cannot enter and leave freely.
Remove Food:
If you regularly keep old plates and food in your bedroom it is important to remove these items and clean up your room as quickly as possible. More areas for rats to hide and more food sources will make sure that a rat will continually go back to that room.
Trim Overhanging Branches:
If you have branches that overhang to a window in your bedroom or hang close to the roof of your bedroom, you should trim them back as this can be a perfect way that rats can access your property.
Set Traps That Are Not Dangerous To Pets:
It's likely that you still want to have your pets in your bedroom so you will need to use a trap that is safe for your room and that will also be widely effective at catching rats. Making sure that you are using a safe trap to remove a rat is a great way to capture an animal that has been getting into your bedroom. Rats can spread poison easily so you should never consider using a poison trap, especially in the bedroom.
Remove Nesting Material Often:
If you find nesting material around your bedroom or in the walls, make sure that you are removing it often to discourage rats from breeding and setting up for a long time in your room.