Bergen County, Hackensack Rat Control Situation:
Hi David, I came across your site today. I am so glad I found you. I have a mouse problem...Well more like an invasion. There are so many of them...Constantly... Everything you said about mice and pest control companies is TRUE.. The pest control companies are not saying any of the things you are saying... In fact, when contacted they are laughing at the idea you mentioned of sealing entry ways.....I am at my wits end as it seems no one does what you mentioned on your site (sealing the areas etc). They want to stuff areas with brillo pads and put down the poison pellets. I have figured out some of the entry ways, that the mice are using to get into the house. The radiators are one way.. However I am sure there are several more. I want these mice gone for good.. Just can't live with them anymore! There are spaces near the radiator pipe and they squeeze through them. I am in Bergen County New Jersey, and I looked at your list of companies in my state. Do these companies do mice? Or do they just do wildlife like squirrels, bats etc? I was not sure when I read their descriptions if they did house mice. I also have an infestation of water bugs (yuck!) so I need someone for both. Do you think those companies you listed can help me? Which one do you think would be best for me to call? I wish you worked in New York. I really do...The pest control companies here just do not mention the things you mention, on your site...Talk to you soon. Regards, Anjene
Hi David, Live in Hackensack Nj and I have dealt with mice problems I'm my attic three times in previous years I have done it professionally which all he did was put down poised and told me to find the holes outside. This cost big bucks. Came back following year. Same thing. I've chalked and check foundation and im tired of spending hundreds of dollars. Any suggestions? Any pros who get rid of the problem and also check the foundation? Help. This freaks me out.
Hackensack Rat Control Tip of The Week
Rats And Black Pepper
Rats eat almost anything. In their search for food, they can gnaw on plastic, wood, and even electrical wiring. A rat presence in your home can cause a lot of economic damage.
When this expense is added to the health problems rats' body fluids can cause, the best thing a person can do is getting them out of the house as soon as possible. The most common extermination way is using traps or rodenticides. However, there are more natural methods such as the use of peppers that cause unpleasant odors and tastes for the rodent and quickly drive them away.
Odors That Repel
Using repellents with unpleasant odors for rats is a way to keep them away from you in a friendly way. The advantage of not having to deal with the rodent's carcass can be worth the effort of constantly using these temporary methods. Rodents use their sense of smell to socialize as well as to survive. An odor such as ammonia often drives them away because it is very similar to the urine of large animals that could devour them. Spicy odors are perceived as dangerous chemicals that are also often avoided at all costs.
Black Pepper
Spicy food odors are unbearable for rats, thanks to their high capsaicin content. These natural compounds give the food its spicy effect, but they are also often very irritating to the mucous membranes and lungs of rodents. If ingested, they can cause a burning sensation in the taste buds and olfactory glands. Pepper is known to be able to scare away rats temporarily although this is not scientifically proven.
For all those people who are afraid of having to deal with poisons or homemade traps, finding new and less harmful options is a headache; however, homemade repellents like black pepper avoid harming other animals and humans, being a perfect choice. In any case, even if they are harmless odors, it is advisable to seek the advice and follow the instructions of a professional in the field.