Fayette County, Lexington Rat Control Situation:
I live in a suburban area in a development and have never had a rat issue in 30 years until recently. A few months ago we noticed two things which had not previously occurred trash was been thrown around the back yard from trash cans as well as holes in the ground. (near the house) We have a large cat that goes outside as well as two basically indoor dogs. Finally about a week ago my wife saw a tail of a small animal that she could not identify. I borrowed a cage trap from a friend and the first two nights they were set the bait was taken but we did not catch anything finally on the third night we caught two rats in the one trap. Set two cages last night, bait was taken but no rats caught. I had filled in about 5 holes that were near my house with dirt yesterday and this morning one of the holes was open....I am getting all kinds of amateur advice(soak toilet tissue with gasoline place it in hole and cover it etc...) don't know what the hell to do. I do not believe the rats have gotten into the house (we have a crawl space). Have two daughters and mother in law with me.... Need any guidance you can provide.
Lexington Rat Control Tip of The Week
Will Rats Hide From People?
The survival instinct of rats leads them to be cautious animals. The fear of being eaten by other predators makes them live in dark places and avoid being seen in broad daylight. People who come in contact with a rat may have several reactions, but the most common one is panic trying to shoo it away or kill it with whatever they have on hand. This situation causes fear in rodents who will look for hiding places and avoid being seen again.
The Mystery Of Smell
Rats use their powerful sense of smell as an effective survival technique. Through odors, a rat can perceive a predator, including species that are still unknown to the animal. Surprisingly, rats flee from cats not only because they know they may be eaten, but also because cat saliva contains chemicals that cause fear when rodents detect them.
Rats Are Pests To Humans
Farmers usually farm in warm places with relative humidity. Likewise, city dwellers tend to have a busy lifestyle, so their environment can quickly lead to clutter and disorder. Both scenarios are perfect for rodents who need the shelter and food provided by a barn, a dump, a messy house, or a sewer.
Rats are quite practical and, if necessary, can adapt to living anywhere, even in a somewhat messy house. The conditions for living comfortably and reproducing are emphasized in people's homes.
Human beings can unknowingly provide rodents with everything they need to survive, turning them into a pest. Rats, being able to take advantage of everything, from rigorously stored food to napkins thrown away, are able to grow as a population. The main consequence of a growing rodent population is the damage to people's health.
