Stark County, Canton Rat Control Situation:
HI there, Came across your website and found it very helpful and hoping you will entertain my question and perhaps direct me to someone in my area. My name is Shanna and I live about an hour north of central Ohio in the town of Canton OH. This summer we did some work on the outside of the house - replaced the sill plate and some of the clapboard. The house, unfortunately was open for quite some time and well, now I'm hearing sounds in the walls - movement, chewing, etc. I'm not sure what it is but here is what I do know: Sounds come at night I've identified where most of the sounds are coming from - unfortunately near my bedroom and they wake me around 2:30 and then again at 4:30 AM! My cat caught and left a juvenile rat on my porch yesterday over night I've not seen any rat holes around the property - I know what they look like from my zookeeper days. I'm assuming it's rats because of the cat but I'm not sure. I set bait traps this eve near the area where I think they are getting in (there are some remaining holes from the construction) and I stuffed insulation in those areas to check in the AM to see if it's been disturbed and if so, where. We will close the holes up ASAP!! Here's my problem and question - we don't have an attack as we've raised all the ceilings on the second floor so should we close all the holes and then look into the one way door or...? Also, I could use some help if you know of anyone in this area.
Canton Rat Control Tip of The Week
Are rats comfortable in cold weather?
As winter arrives, the cold increases, and the consequences of this change in weather are vast. Animals like rats will look to survive during these times. The principal necessity for them to be comfortable in these temperatures include refuge and food.
People's homes are perfect for rats to shelter from the cold. They are designed to give the security and benefits needed for a warm environment. As the cold increases, the rat's muscles start tensing, lowering their immune system to the point of making them more likely to get sick.
People and rats living in the same house are a bad combination
The danger of getting diseases is caused by the accumulation of feces that promotes bacteria development all over the house.
These microorganisms produce very dangerous diseases and infections, among them, the best known for its severity is leptospirosis that is caused by ingesting food contaminated with rodents' urine and feces.
The structural damage that living with rats can cause
Damages caused by rats are attributed by the capacity of their jaws to gnaw. They gnaw on materials like wood, plastic or even cables that, despite being hard, these are not an impediment for their teeth. During colder temperatures, their metabolism needs more energy to stay warm.
Among the activities to obtain this energy are eating and gnawing. On many occasions, this can cause dangerous accidents, such as fires thanks to short circuits caused by bitten cables. Economic losses can range from a pair of shoes to the entire house.
Living together with rodents is harmful for your health and bank account. You should know that when winter arrives, the rain and cold will make them find refuge, so you have to take preventative measures as a defense weapon against this urban plague.