Unwanted pests are not only creepy they also are the cause of health and safety hazards.
Rats are a serious pest problem. Rats often chew through ducting and leave their droppings inside the ducts. The droppings dry out and break down into fine particles. They are then blown through the system into the air. The aged, the young and others, who are sensitive, may suffer respiratory or flu like symptoms and not know the cause.
Rats have also been known to chew through wiring insulation and cause electrical shorts. Or worse, a fire.
As the weather cools down, they want in. So it is prudent to stop them from getting in. If they are in, get them out fast! They are champion breeders. The quickest and best way to eliminate and prevent an infestation is through exclusion, sanitation and trapping.
A common sense approach would be to exclude them from entering the home. Exclusion includes sealing up all possible entry points. They can get in through an opening the size of a quarter. Seal these openings. You can use steel wool or other more permanent material. Also cut back branches and other vegetation that touch or are close to the house. Sanitation includes cleaning up areas that are attracting the vermin. Garbage cans should have tight lids. Pet food should not be left out. Firewood should not be stacked close to the house.
For quick knock down use spring traps. Choose a good quality spring trap for rats. The electric 'rat zappers' have been used with some success, my daughter thinks they are great. But avoid the repellers, unless you want to throw one at a rat, the repellers are ineffective. Avoid the use of poison where possible. Secondary poisoning may kill family pets. Birds of prey that catch a poisoned rat may never leave the ground. Rat poison is highly toxic to birds. Rats are cautious.
A good strategy that works is to wear gloves when handling the traps so they don't pick up your scent. Also use peanut butter. Bait the traps with the peanut butter but don't set them. Place it along walls where rats may travel, but out of the reach of children and pets. When you see that they are taking the bait. Bait the traps again, using your gloves, set the traps this time. When you have caught all the rats dispose of them in bags, traps and all. Avoid touching the rats when disposing of them. Use gloves.
Plenty of information is available on the internet. Ebay is a good source for traps, steel wool, gloves and perhaps even peanut butter.
Rats are creepy, but, if you are determined and use your head, you can rid them from your home.
Orignal From: Creepy Crawly Critter Ridder - A Common Sense Approach
No comments:
Post a Comment