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
What Are Some Rat Diseases That Can Affect Humans?
One of the biggest concerns of countries and cities suffering from plagues of rats is the many diseases they cause. Many lethal diseases have been caused by these pesky rodents and more and more places are being exposed to rat diseases.
Rats are carriers of numerous pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other types of infectious agents, which can be transmitted through different parts and secretions of the rat; its tissue, saliva, urine, and feces.
How Can Rats Infect Humans?
Rats can transmit diseases through their skin; contagious infections that could be fatal in the skin of the affected person.
Through their saliva, rats can transmit a great number of viruses, bacteria, and infections, both internally and externally. That is why it is essential to go to a doctor if a rat bites you.
Rat urine and feces are among the most dangerous carriers of infection. They carry the most viruses and diseases which, if not treated in time, could have serious consequences for the health of the infected person.
The importance of being alert to the first sign of rats on your property is critical to your family's health. Not only your children and family but also your pet, as they could be exposed to even more infections and diseases that are deadly if not treated in time.
Some of the symptoms that could appear after a rat bite are:- Chills
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Muscular ache
- Breathing difficulty
Some of these symptoms are just a preview of a serious illness caused by constant exposure to rats. Some of these diseases include meningitis, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, bubonic plague, toxoplasmosis, salmonellosis, internal parasites, among others.
Keeping your family out of harm's way should be a priority. When you first see a rat, you should do something about it; either hire a pest exterminator or set traps throughout the house yourself.
