Polk County, Des Moines Rat Control Situation:
Hi David, Great website! Thank you for providing that resource. I was hoping you might have a bit of advice for me. I looked but didn't see anything about dealing with rats that burrow in your backyard. We have a burrow that appears to be extensive (based on our scientific experiment of emptying all the water in a kiddie pool into the hole). It has been there in one shape or another since we moved into the home about a year ago. We have filled it with rocks, planted grass over it, covered it with large stones, nothing keeps the hole from reappearing. So far we have not seen any evidence of current habitation in our home but have an old house with a bad foundation and it doesn't seem impossible that rats could get in if they wanted to. We have been using a rat zapper baited with peanut butter out near the hole and where we think they would run for a week to no success. We don't leave it out during the day due to neighbors cats and a toddler. We know there are rats around because we see them from our windows in our neighbors bamboo patch every evening. We have been wary of hiring a pest control company based on the terrible stories you hear about them, but will use your list of referrals for wildlife control people. Just wondering if getting rid of the hole while it is outside is even feasible, something we should try on our own but just didnt think of the right strategy, or something a pro could handle. Thanks!!
Des Moines Rat Control Tip of The Week
Reasons Why Rats Die Inside Attics And Houses
They Get Thirsty:
Rats often get thirsty when they have ingested any type of poison or when they cannot find their way out of a house. When rats go in search of water, they go towards an area where they will be closest to the outside world. When they have difficulty getting out of the home, they may find themselves in the attic close by their water source that they desperately need but unable to access a way out of the home.
They Get Poisoned On The Way Back To The Nest:
Rats will often travel throughout the home after they've been poisoned. Because poison often takes a bit of time to take effect, a rat might make its way up to the attic to stay warm and then die on its way back from the attic.
They Bleed Out:
Rats that have been affected by spring traps and other means for capturing may bleed out if they sustained serious injuries. This can happen quite quickly especially if the rat has made its way up to the attic to try and escape. This often becomes the final resting space for rats and this can eventually lead to foul odors.
They Get Stuck In Glue Traps:
Glue traps can be another cause for a rat to get stuck in an attic area. When a rat gets stuck in a glue trap it's possible that it will simply die in the area which can lead to people finding the rat or the rat causing a series of issues with smells and rotting. Glue traps are commonly placed in attics because this can be an easy place as it is out of sight for pets, toddlers, and home/business owners.
