Suffolk County, Suffolk County Rat Control Situation:
I am writing from England. I am sure we have rats and/or mice in our bungalow in Islip Long Island. The problem is that I haven't seen them. I am constantly being woken up at night hearing noises, but I try to tell myself that I was dreaming or imagining it. I have long scratches on my leg (from my ankle for about 3 inches up my leg). I do not know what has caused them but they happen overnight. I am scared and do not know what to do. I cannot remember the last time I had a good night's sleep. My husband says that there are no droppings so we can't have unwanted visitors. I did buy one of those mice repellent things and all was well for a while but now the winter is here, the noises are happening again. I do hope you can help/advise me.
Hi David, We live in Ronkonkama, we had some rats in our attic last year and I think they are gone. At least I do not hear them any more and I found a dead one. Our attic has areas where they had nests and lots of paths through the insulation. I also found where I think they came in which was where one of our roof lines is not sealed. Do or who could we get to seal this area and clean up spots in the attic to prevent them from wanting to visit again? About what would something like this run to have done?
Suffolk County Rat Control Tip of The Week
Do Rats Pose A Threat To Dogs, Cats, Or Other Pets?
Toxoplasmosis:
There is a parasite that mice and rats can become infected with that causes health conditions in dogs and cats. Toxoplasmosis can cause diarrhea and severe flu in many dogs and it can also change digestive tract functions in cats. This will often be presented as an early infection that leads to a severe flu that can make it difficult for your pet to enjoy a good quality of life. This sickness can also be spread to humans just as easily as it could be spread along to animals.
Roundworms:
Rats often carry roundworms that can be passed on to other animals in your home. There's a variety of medications that can be delivered to treat infections like roundworms. This can also be passed along to humans and if you're experiencing ongoing headaches, digestive issues, fever, or rashes it could be possible that you have been infected.
They Multiply Quickly:
The threat that rats can pose multiplies quickly because they can have an average of 84 babies throughout the course of the year. Working to manage a rat problem can be crucial in the earliest stages before it becomes worse. Without ongoing management of your rat problem, you may end up in a situation where it becomes more difficult to handle the population you are faced with.
Anxiety:
Rats may also cause anxiety in many of your pets. Hearing the ongoing noises in the walls, knowing that they're rather close by and even feeling threatened by rats can be problematic especially for the family pet. Rather than having the ongoing stress that rats can pose for your dog or cat, it may be wise to consider the option of getting a professional exterminator to manage the rat population in your home.
