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
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.
