Bernalillo County, Albuquerque Rat Control Situation:
Hi, My name is Anna and I am a graduate student at American University in the Interactive Journalism master's program. For my investigative reporting course, I am working on an in-depth story about DC's rodent problem, in particular how the Wildlife Protection Act of 2010 may or may not affect how the District's rat population is managed in the future. The story will be turned in to my professor and presented to my classmates. I understand that you provide catch and removal services in the Albuquerque NM metro area. I'd like to learn more about the brown rat, particularly habits/adaptations to the District's urban environment. Also, I'm curious about the science behind the Wildlife Protection Act. Even though it is highly unlikely that rats will be protected, how would relocation vs trapping and killing change how the rat population is managed? One of the main issues presented by Mister Herman of the National Wildlife Control Operators Association is that the language in the law is too subjective in that it doesn't distinguish what types of rodents are protected, if any. Some suggest that the rice rat along with the deer mouse could be harmed by the law. Dr. Hadidian of the Humane Society was quoted in a WTOP article saying that he hasn't heard of rice rats in the area in his 30 years at the organization. People have had a strong reaction to this legislation and I'm trying to understand the controversy from all angles. I would like to speak over the phone sometime in the next week or we can discuss via email. Please let me know if this is something you are willing and able to do or if you have any questions. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Anna
Albuquerque Rat Control Tip of The Week
Is One Rat A Sign That There Are More Present?
Rats are animals that tend to move around in groups, they are not solitary animals. For this reason, if you see a rat in your home, it is a sign that there are more rodents present. It is imperative that you start radical extermination as soon as possible, avoiding their reproduction.
In addition to traveling in groups, they have a very rapid reproduction capacity, especially if they find a comfortable place in your home.
How To Know If There Are Rats In Your House?
If you have seen or heard a rat in your home, there are probably more hidden in the most unexpected corners of your house. There are many ways you can tell if there are rodents in your home, even if you don't see them. For example:
Unusual Sounds: Rats are noisy animals; they can make noise at night, or even during the day. Whenever they bump into things, chew on objects or food, and move from one side of the house to the other, you will hear them
Nibbled Food And Objects: The best sign that there are rats in your house is if you find nibbled objects, such as clothes, shoes, or bags. Similarly, finding food packaging with holes or even foods with bites is a sign of rodents in the house.
Droppings And Urine: Rats will usually leave them anywhere in the house. It is important to be aware of any sighting of excrement, which can be quite small (the size of a grain of rice).
Where Do These Rodents Usually Hide?
Rats will always look for a place that provides them with safety and food. They usually hide in small spaces, as it is easier for them to move from one place to another. They will probably decide to stay in a place close to the kitchen so that it is easier to go out in search of food for their pups.
In short, seeing a rat is a sign that more are present and hidden. Don't wait a minute to take action in this situation! The last thing you want is a plague of rats living inside the walls of your home.
