DC County, Washington DC Rat Control Situation:
I am a double heart transplant/cancer patient and not in good health. I have discovered a huge hole on the outside of my home, which is allowing critters in my attic. I do not know what they are, but possibly roof rats. Their presence could very well kill me, since I have no immune system to help me fight bacteria. I would like to know the cost of removal & repair of the area which they have ruined on the side of my home. I am a senior citizen who can no longer work and have little disposable income to pay much, since my medical bills are so high. Is it possible to get an estimate for this & also a time frame from when it can be done? I spend a lot of time in the hospital and just finished a 3 month stay, which included another cancer surgery. I live in Washington DC. My phone does not ring in properly, in fact, gets poor reception, same as my Internet service, but they blame it on my area. So please use my email when possible. I would appreciate a reply ASAP. Thank you very much. J Hill
My response: The presence of rats won't kill you.
Washington DC Rat Control Tip of The Week
Should I Remove Rats Myself, Or Hire A Pro?
Disposing of rats is something you need to do, however the question is how you can achieve this. You can do this without the help of anybody; however, some would want to employ an expert. So which is the most ideal route to choose?
Let's take a look at the things to consider.
If you are certain that it is only one rat, then there is just one reason to hire an expert unless the rat appears to be sick. If you can't tell if the rat is sick, there are signs to check for and you should get familiar with these. Otherwise, it is just an issue of getting a trap, setting it up, and trusting that the rat will get captured.
There are traps that permit you to kill the rat right away and there are those that will basically trap the rat alive. If you select the ones that kill the rat, when it is dead, just toss it out and your problem is solved. However, if you decide to catch it live, take it to an area where it can't go back into your home and let it go. Ensure you wear gloves when dealing with the rat, regardless of which trap you pick.
If you find that there is more than one rat in your home, then it might be an ideal option to hire an expert. You might not have the necessary skills, time, and expertise to catch multiple rats. Rats are creatures that like to live in huge groups, so you will find that there can be thousands living in one area.
If you notice a spot in your home where they are living, then it is a smart thought to get an expert to come and take care of them. They won't just end the rat infestation in your home, but will likewise dispose of the vermin. This will keep you from having to deal with the problem at all.