Leon County, Tallahassee Rat Control Situation:
Aloha David, We are just moving to Tallahassee but own a home in Honolulu. I am writing you because there are no rodent removal companies on Oahu and I don't have anyone I can get help or advice from. We recently discovered rodent droppings in our atticat the Honolulu home. After checking the roof, eaves, etc., we found the potential entry point into the attic. It is an existing vent opening that a contractor used for installation of a hot water heater pipe that was fed into the attic. (see photo) We sealed the opening with galvanized sheeting, screwed in place, caulked and painted. The opening was sealed off September 14,2012. Subsequently, we set snap and electronic traps in the attic. The morning after the first traps were set, we caught one rat in the rat zapper. None in the snap traps. The fifth day we caught another rat in the zapper. After several days of no more trappings, we completely vacuumed the attic space with a hepa vacuum. Feeling like there were no more rats in the attic, We removed the traps. We have been checking the attic everyday since the last rat was killed, on September 21,2012 and there have been no droppings... ...until this morning when my husband checked the attic. He found one rodent pellet on a beam about a foot from the attic access panel and several more maybe six feet or so from the opening. My question is twofold: 1) is it possible for a roof rat(s) to live in an attic space for an extended period of time without access to water (over 3 weeks), and 2) wouldn't we see more than 3 rat turds if there is current activity in the attic? I really would appreciate any advice or insights you can provide. I am so fearful of rodents and will have to return to Honolulu in less than a week to take care of the house while my husband returns to work here in Florida. If you feel so inclined, you can also reach me on my cell phone. Mahalo, Frances
Tallahassee Rat Control Tip of The Week
How Can I Get Rid Of A Rat In My Bedroom?
Fill In Gaps And Cracks:
It's likely that there could be areas across your bedroom where rats can easily enter into your home. This could mean filling in cracks and gaps along the baseboard of your room or at the top of your room where the ceiling meets it. Filling in these gaps and cracks will make sure that a rat cannot enter and leave freely.
Remove Food:
If you regularly keep old plates and food in your bedroom it is important to remove these items and clean up your room as quickly as possible. More areas for rats to hide and more food sources will make sure that a rat will continually go back to that room.
Trim Overhanging Branches:
If you have branches that overhang to a window in your bedroom or hang close to the roof of your bedroom, you should trim them back as this can be a perfect way that rats can access your property.
Set Traps That Are Not Dangerous To Pets:
It's likely that you still want to have your pets in your bedroom so you will need to use a trap that is safe for your room and that will also be widely effective at catching rats. Making sure that you are using a safe trap to remove a rat is a great way to capture an animal that has been getting into your bedroom. Rats can spread poison easily so you should never consider using a poison trap, especially in the bedroom.
Remove Nesting Material Often:
If you find nesting material around your bedroom or in the walls, make sure that you are removing it often to discourage rats from breeding and setting up for a long time in your room.
