Marion County, Indianapolis Rat Control Situation:
Hello David, I have been reading the information that you have on line about squirrels in the attic. We have something in our attic and cannot figure out what it is, nor have we been able to trap it, nor has it been caught in a rat trap. I hear this creature or creatures ??? during the day, as well as at night. There does not seem to be a particular favorite time that they move around. Perhaps the morning is very quiet, and there is more activity in the afternoon and evening. My bedroom is quite a distance from the area that we hear this creature in, so I would not hear it at night even if it is moving around a lot at night.
I mostly have heard scratching in the walls, and at one point did hear a big thud. The odd thing about this creature is this. We set a live trap with peanut butter in it, and what ever it is carried large pieces of insulation inside the trap to cover the peanut butter. Like really large- maybe a 6 X 6 inch piece. We feel the trap was not set properly because it did not shut. Next day we put meat in it, thinking it may be an animal that would want meat like an opossum. All this time our rat traps have remained in place but this creature DAILY overs all the traps with insulation....without getting caught. We have not seen anything enter or leave. We found one area that is gapping between he house and fascia but only maybe a 3" opening. We do know for sure that there is enter way at the garage floor. We will put foam insulation in those areas this weekend to hopefully stop rats or whatever it is up there from entering and will continue our trapping efforts. We live north of Indianapolis IN in the country on one acre. Our house is 7 years old; made of brick.
By my description, do you have any idea what we might be dealing with, and any suggestions on how to catch this creature? I appreciate all the info your web site; I just cant find anything that remotely sounds like what we have going on with this creature attempting to bury the traps with insulation. Many thanks for any advice. Jill
Why don't you have a wildlife expert inspect the house and attic in order to determine what the animal is? It could be raccoons or opossums, not necessarily rats. The feces and tracks in the attic, and the nature of the entry holes should tell you what animal you're dealing with.
Indianapolis Rat Control Tip of The Week
How Can I Receive Free Rat Removal?
Rat proliferation has become a real headache. Over time, they multiply and can affect our lives in very negative ways. They are a vehicle for germs and bacteria, as well as various diseases that could be fatal.
An Unwanted Visitor Who Has Come To Stay
Even if you have the most rigorous cleaning and hygiene methods at home, in warehouses or food sales sites (supermarkets or restaurants), the slightest hole exposes us completely to this unwanted visitor. Rats are flexible, agile, and by nature prowling, so if they get the chance, they will come in and soon invite their whole family to stay in your home.
Ways To Get Rid Of Them
Rats are very fertile animals; in a matter of 21 to 24 days, a rat can have 5 to 15 pups, which will reach sexual maturity after 4 or 5 weeks. Can you imagine the speed of their reproduction?
You can follow these tips:- Keep all areas clean and totally free of crumbs.
- Keep garbage tightly closed at night.
- Make sure there are no cracks, holes, or any other entrances that will allow them to enter.
- Keep any water outlets closed with their grids.
- Do not leave dry food within reach of these animals.
But... What Happens If The Situation Exceeds My Abilities To Exterminate This Pest?
It is always best to go to the experts in rat extermination, but each town has a public health and sanitation system, which is responsible for keeping pests under control.
You can ask for an inspection, and they will determine if it is a public health problem. Prevention and hygiene will always be the best methods to avoid contact with these animals that cause so many diseases.