Wake County, Raleigh Rat Control Situation:
How can I tell if I have rats or mice hanging out in my walls/attic? We haven't found any signs of anything getting into the main part of the house, but every once in a while we hear them scurrying around in one spot. We only hear them in the evening, and we haven't heard them very often (tonight is the first time I have noticed them in two weeks, but I'm also not home every evening). First we thought it was mice, but I am starting to worry that they might be rodents nesting for the winter. I checked outside and couldn't find any visible entry points, nor any footprints on the roof. I also looked under the roof overhang on that side of the house and there are no holes there. I can't tell if I am hearing squirrel chirping or mouse squeaking--it's almost a squeak-like chirp (real helpful, I know). If we can't find any holes for them to get in, it makes me think mice, but if we haven't seen any signs of them in the house and only hear them in one spot, it makes me think squirrels. Whatever it is has had access to this spot for quite some time, so if they are rats, I think we need to act ASAP, as per the damage reports I've seen on websites. Any and all advice you have to diagnose what we are dealing with would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for your help! - Kristin
My response: Sounds like mouse or rat activity to me. Squirrels are active in the daytime, and people usually hear a lot of morning noise. If you inspect the attic, you can tell by the droppings left behind.
Raleigh Rat Control Tip of The Week
how Can I Modify My Property To Keep Rat Populations Down?
This modification initially should include house inspection to comprehend what sort of changes that the house essentially needs.
One basic strategy is to diminish the access of rats to foods and get a new place for their habitat. Automatic doors, for example, are a perfect passage that will close quickly once everyone has gone through. It won't leave any hole that can invite the rats to come. Rats are clever because they can detect the holes, even the tiniest ones in pipes. As a result, it is easy for them to get to the divider and use it as a safe house. It is recommended to move plants and wires far from your buildings because rats can use them to climb up inside your home.
Sewers are likewise the ideal entryway for these rats to get inside the house. This is why the rat-proofing plan has to come up when you want to build a home or renovate a house.
Traps can likewise be set since it is by a long shot, the best method to catch rats - as rats can run quickly and effectively escape, it might be difficult for humans to find them utilizing their uncovered hands. Typically, catching is perfect for businesses working with large spaces and holes that might not be distinguishable.
Another modification is to try putting away foods appropriately inside containers that are rat-proof. Garbage should be properly sealed and shut because it may attract rats. When you store garbage in a can, ensure that the cover is tight enough.
Keeping up regular maintenance of the building won't allow any breaks and holes to appear. Great fixes are essential because rats can effectively fit a coin size gap and eat the foods inside your home.
