Got Rats? Don't Make These Big Mistakes With DIY Rodent Control
All pests can be a bother, but if there is one pest you don't want to see hanging out inside your home it is rats. These critters multiply rapidly, are exceptionally destructive, and are known to carry disease. If you are like a lot of homeowners, your first inclination when you discover rats in the house will be to take matters into your own hands where pest control is concerned. While it may be a good idea to eliminate what you can, there are a few mistakes to avoid when it comes to getting rid of rats in your home.
Mistake: Using only traps to capture the rodents.
Why? You will likely catch a few rats initially. However, these rodents are incredibly intelligent creatures, and they will likely learn to avoid the traps altogether after a while.
Instead: Consider using live traps, which do not cause such alarm to the rest of the rats and can be used repeatedly.
Mistake: Setting out poison to kill the rats without a plan for removal.
Why? Poisonous substances you purchase over the counter to kill rats leave you with a huge problem if these products are used without a lot of thought. The rats don't die instantly when the poisonous substance is consumed but rather after making their way back into hiding. This means that dead rats could be left to decay inside your walls, hidden in your attic, or even beneath your floor.
Instead: If you must use rat poison, do so only in a restricted area where you know you will be able to effectively poison the rodent and retrieve it after it is dead.
Mistake: Assuming cats will handle the problem.
Why? Cats are indeed hunters of small prey like rodents, so you may assume the problem is easy enough to solve just by getting a few kitties to keep in the house. But rats can grow large enough that most common house cats will simply run the other direction.
Instead: If you truly want an animal which can hunt down rats, consider going for a small dog, such as a Jack Russell terrier or dachshund, which are both praised for their rat hunting capabilities.
Even though dealing with a rat problem in your house is doable, it is also quite the challenge. If you are dealing with a rat or rodent problem in your home, it is always a good idea to contact a pest control agent for advice. Click for more information.