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
Black Rat Biology
The black rat (Rates Rattus) has likewise been known as a ship rat, rooftop rat, and old English rat, among other names. It is a long-tailed rodent that is native to Asia. However, it is found in practically all parts of the world today. Black rats prefer hotter zones, however, are profoundly versatile, and will look for cover in natural (woods) and unnatural (homes and structures) areas. It is bigger and more aggressive than its brown-colored cousin, but is more vulnerable to cold and has a more constrained diet. Black rats are generally omnivores. They are a genuine threat to ranchers since they will eat a wide scope of farming harvests, seeds, and feed. A large population of black rats can decimate a field of crops, or contaminate a barn full of feed and hay.
A common black rat is 5.02-7.19 in long, including its tail, and weights 4.12 oz. when fully grown. Notwithstanding its name, the black rat is normally not black. Its coat is typically extremely dark brown. In the wild, black rats want to settle in burrows made using the ground litter (leaves, twigs, etc.) found on timberland floors. In urban settings, they like attics and upper floors of structures, making homes from discovered litter, destroyed paper, and insulation.
They are also tasty meals for coyotes, wild dogs, and other predator winged animals. These obtrusive pests are difficult to dispose of once they move in. Talk with your neighborhood experts on approaches to shield your home from being overrun. Keeping your yard free of clutter, yard debris, standing water, and trash will deter them. You should keep all garbage in fixed holders, and pick up outside pet food and feed. Routinely check your home and building for cracks and openings that would give black rats a path to your home. Black rats are keener on living in their normal habitat than in your home; however, they will consistently exploit food, water, and safe shelter.
