Santa Clara County, San Jose Rat Control Situation:
First off, love the website. thanks for the resource. Ive had rats for 6 months and have been trapping to get rid of them. After the first 3 months of trapping and 12 rats, i found an open sewer vent in a hidden part of my attic. i fixed that, but im still catching a rat every 2 weeks in snap traps. I sucked all the blown cellulose out of the hip-roof section of my house when i thought they were initially gone, and unfortunately they must now living in the flat roof portion that i cant access (recently added on). The outside of house is tight as a drum. Three rat pros have looked it over and dont see openings. so my question is....can rats be smart enough to live there for the past 3 months and avoid the traps????????? Maybe the rats saved up a lot of food when previous homeowner stored birdseed in attic? maybe they dont come into the hip roof often enough to die on the traps? Either that, or i must have another plumbing issue that i havnt found yet and they are still getting in. id rather think that i just need to be patient, but id like to get your opinion. Going insane, Mark
Hey Dave, Been reading your website and I think your main point is - there's no easy shortcut to mice removal - simple technique and put the effort in. I did purchase an electrical device that plugs into an outlet and emits a pulse through existing electrical wiring - I know, probably a gimmick, but I've heard a lot less scratching in my attic since (shrug). The field mice are still in the attic though - I see the dropping everywhere and I hear some scratching at night - I even see the suckers sometimes when I crack open the attic door. I will try some of your DIY techniques - but I was wondering if you can recommend a pro in the central NJ area? I'm in Los Gatos CA. Thanks! John
hi david, i read your article online and agree with you about exterminators. however what can i do about the mice in my attic. i went to turn on the central ac in my home and mice poop came out of the ceiling registers. i have heard some movement during the middle of the night up in my attic and within my walls. i have trapped some mice in the garage at times and than all is well i thought. my home is a manufactured high ranch. i live in mahopac ny. i also have a cat so i figured that would keep the mice population down because we never see any signs in the living areas or cabinets. what do you recommend i do moving forward. thank you for your help in this matter. if you like i can be reach on my cell phone. ken w
San Jose Rat Control Tip of The Week
Where Do Rats Live During The Summer?
Rodents have been able to colonize most of the earth's habitats. Different species of mice and rats are found from warm deserts to tropical mountains. Polar zones are considered the only place without rodents.
During summer, their survival instinct takes rats to shelter in place in which food is abundant and easy to get. The favorite places for rats are country houses and barns that provide them plenty of food. On the other hand, in the cities, most of the rats live in sewers where they feed on fruit, meat, and bread residues that are discarded in the garbage.
The Urban Plague
Rodents are big and repulsive. The two most known species are the gray rat or sewer rat, (Rattus Norvegicus), and the black rat or roof rat (Rattus Rattus). Although there are different species, they are both characterized by their lack of hygiene, as they live in filthy areas.
These creatures have the ability to acclimatize in urban environments because with the arrival of summer, they reproduce and start to invade people's homes to find food and shelter. Rats are among the animals that proliferate the most during summer since proper conditions for the pups' development are warm and dry conditions.
Inside Homes
Rodents will look for food and residues left on the floor. Also, places with plenty of holes and clutter. From a small crack in the wall to a space behind the fridge or the washing machine, these will be perfect places for a rodent to find refuge to save its food, live comfortably, and reproduce.
To prevent invasion problems, it is advisable to call a specialist in pest control. Proper rat extermination should be combined with actions such as tightly closing garbage cans, cleaning of the house, and other preventive measures.
