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
Can Rats Chew Through The Ceiling?
Rats Are Adept At Climbing:
Rats can fit through surprisingly small spaces and they are extremely adept climbers, it may not take long for a rat to make its way up to the ceiling and then to continue burrowing through the ceiling in an effort to make a nest.
Rats Have Powerful Teeth:
Rats have the ability to chew through almost anything. Certain varieties of brown rats are able to bite through cinderblocks and light concrete. Rather than facing rats that could potentially wreck your ceiling, it's wise to stop them before they have a chance to cause structural damage.
Rats Often Spend Time In Attics:
Rats like to spend time in attics because it can often give them quick access to the outside world. Chewing through the ceiling is a likely consideration because rats are likely to be spending time at the top of your home. Rats like to hide out in attics where they may not be disturbed and this will regularly lead to the chance that a rat could chew through your ceiling quite quickly.
Rats Make Short Work Of Items Like Drywall:
Because the majority of ceilings are made out of drywall and plaster, a rat can chew through these areas quite quickly. You could have a rat making its way through your ceiling tiles within just a matter of minutes and this can be potentially dangerous for the structural integrity of your home.
Rats Want To Be Where It's Warm:
It's likely that a rat will always be directed towards the ceiling as they want to be in an area where it's warm to raise their young. Because rats can breed so quickly and because they are likely to need access to a warm roof spot, you may find rats naturally gnawing through your ceiling.
