Travis County, Austin Rat Control Situation:
David, My dilemma I have a walk up attic w/ a wooded floor, the roof does not have insulation neither do the walls of the attic. between the floor boards you can catch movement of the rats. There is a mother and her nest of young how many is not known. She come and goes through a broken pane in the glass. My fear is the how to retrieve the young and how will i clean up , sanitize the insulation under the floor. the rats roam across the entire attic floor. I realize that you must also catch the mother but how would we ever find the young w so much space to travel? I do have a standard cage set up now by the window pane. thank you Riley
Well, if you catch the mother rat by the window pane, then the young are going to die. And you're going to wind up with a big odor problem. To find the young, I sit in silence, sometimes for up to a half hour if necessary, until the young start chattering. Then if I can't crawl into the area, I cut open the wall/floor and get the young, and use them to catch the mom rat, and I get them all at once. Where in the Austin do you ive? My friend may be able to help you.
My neighbor Frank has been killing these rats because they're on his mango tree, he kills them with a bb gun...I tried of cleaning up my yard cuz they stink and lots flies on them....there is witness that live right behind him which she saw him shot them. I thought its illegal to kill these creatures. I have sent these to my landlord so she can see this..Thanks for your time...
My response: I don't know if it's illegal. I don't think so. Contact Texas Wildlife Commission. Tell this annoying neighbor to clean up his rat carcasses.
Austin Rat Control Tip of The Week
Is It Common For Rats To Die During The Winter?
Nature gave rodents characteristics to survive different times of the year. A very useful feature in rats when winter is coming is being more aggressive to make sure they obtain greater amounts of food.
These animals will eat a portion of their food but will save the other part in their burrows. Among the most common provisions are pet food, dead animals, paper, plastic, fabric, and seeds.
If Rodents Do Not Find Shelter And Food, They Will Not Survive Winter
Rats have the capacity to generate extra energy through different activities that help them to keep their core temperature. However, eventually, this mechanism is harmful since it can cause inflammation in their muscles and stress for generating that amount of heat.
During summer, these rodents at 4 months old have already had their first litter of pups. Throughout their lives, they can reproduce at least 10 times. When a population is exterminated, this can regenerate in a short period. However, during winter, their reproductive capacities slow down, so if a population is exterminated, it may not be regenerated.
Be Watchful
It is important to remember that these rodents easily adapt to any warm place in your home. They can invade the majority of places that surround you and move in the dark. Although you do not see it, your house might be infested with dozens of rodents.
Each rodent has an extra store of energy during the winter that will increase their need to feed. They will also shelter and organize in colonies with a very specific hierarchy.
With winter arrival, you must be watchful. One of the best options is to find a specialist to guide you with the most effective ways to avoid unwanted guests.
