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
What To Do With A Rat After It Is Caught
After successfully catching a rat, people are often faced with the issue of what to do next. There is more to removing rats in your home than just catching it. If you have caught a rat in your home, there are certain things you will have to consider before going ahead with any activity.
The first thing you will have to consider if you caught a live rat is whether to relocate the rat to somewhere far away from your home or kill it. Secondly, you will have to figure out the best way to handle the rat without having any close contact with it, so as not to put your health at risk. Lastly, you will have to make plans on how to thoroughly disinfect your home.
If you are sensitive to animals, the best way to handle this situation is to choose the humane way by relocating the rat somewhere far away from your home after catching it. But at the same time, you need to understand the fact that the rat might not survive in the new environment you intend to introduce it to. Rats are habitual and are usually accustomed to living in the environment they grow up in. When you relocate any rat you caught, it will find it difficult to feed in the new environment. In most cases, these rats don't usually survive more than a few days.
On the other hand, if you have decided to kill the rat after trapping it, it is best to kill it fast and quickly. The best way to do this is to use either a blunt object that is firm and heavy or use a fire weapon.
While doing all of these, you need to protect yourself as much as you can to avoid getting in contact with diseases and pathogens. To do this, wear a pair of gloves while handling the rat and dispose of them immediately after use.