Contra Costa County, Richmond Rat Control Situation:
Hello!!! I was just at your website, and thought I would throw an email your way... I went into my garage tonight, and was throwing a load of laundry into the washer, and I heard scratching coming from the wall in the far right hand corner of the garage... I went over to inspect, and couldn't see anything, but the scratching continued... I tapped on the wall with a broom, and the scratching stopped... My question to you is this- if it were to be a mouse would I be able to hear them so clearly scratching? I know they don't weigh a whole lot... We did have a problem with squirrels in the attic a couple of months ago, but we got rid of them, and blocked the entry way that they made to enter the attic... We checked outside this evening after we heard the scratching, and cannot find any entry points in the eaves, soffits, etc... So I am under the impression that its not squirrels or something large like that (praying that its not)... I hope I have made sense... I am a nervous wreck right now at just the thought that their is something in my wall =( I hope to hear back from you soon... Joni
My response: Sometimes mice can make very loud noises, if they scratch directly on the drywall. But squirrels, opossums, raccoons, and rats also get in wall frequently.
Richmond Rat Control Tip of The Week
Is One Rat A Sign That There Are More Present?
Rats are animals that tend to move around in groups, they are not solitary animals. For this reason, if you see a rat in your home, it is a sign that there are more rodents present. It is imperative that you start radical extermination as soon as possible, avoiding their reproduction.
In addition to traveling in groups, they have a very rapid reproduction capacity, especially if they find a comfortable place in your home.
How To Know If There Are Rats In Your House?
If you have seen or heard a rat in your home, there are probably more hidden in the most unexpected corners of your house. There are many ways you can tell if there are rodents in your home, even if you don't see them. For example:
Unusual Sounds: Rats are noisy animals; they can make noise at night, or even during the day. Whenever they bump into things, chew on objects or food, and move from one side of the house to the other, you will hear them
Nibbled Food And Objects: The best sign that there are rats in your house is if you find nibbled objects, such as clothes, shoes, or bags. Similarly, finding food packaging with holes or even foods with bites is a sign of rodents in the house.
Droppings And Urine: Rats will usually leave them anywhere in the house. It is important to be aware of any sighting of excrement, which can be quite small (the size of a grain of rice).
Where Do These Rodents Usually Hide?
Rats will always look for a place that provides them with safety and food. They usually hide in small spaces, as it is easier for them to move from one place to another. They will probably decide to stay in a place close to the kitchen so that it is easier to go out in search of food for their pups.
In short, seeing a rat is a sign that more are present and hidden. Don't wait a minute to take action in this situation! The last thing you want is a plague of rats living inside the walls of your home.
