For the past five months, we've been dealing with a rat issue in our house. It started with some scampering noises in the attic (which we thought were squirrels on the roof), and then we noticed rat poop by the cat food in the basement.
We got an exterminator in and we've so far boarded up two possible access points into the house and removed all pet food from the basement and garage, but it appears there's been rat activity in the basement as recently as this afternoon. The exterminator was here this morning to reset two traps, and one of the traps was flipped over when I got home this afternoon (but no rat caught).
I've lost count of the number of rats we've actually caught so far. I think we're close to ten. So far there hasn't been any sign of them in the living area of the house, just the garage, attic and basement. But it's a big pain. Not only because I think they are the most disgusting creatures on the planet, but also because it means we have to have Aphro's litter box upstairs. It's much more convenient to have it in the basement, out of the way, but we can't let her down there while the traps are out.
When I talked to the exterminator this morning, he suggested that we may have to go on their 'residential plan', which is basically a yearly plan that has them visiting the house at least four times a year, more if necessary. Apparently it's pretty common for home owners in Victoria to have to do this, as the rat population is a bit out of control.
The only plus to all this is that because we're renting, we haven't had to pay for the exterminator's services.
Stupid, icky rats.
Comments
Pet Solution
One solution: 3 cats and a "ratter" dog
We have heard that there is a rat problem in our neighborhood too - but we know nothing of it personally because none would be foolish enough to step foot into our house as we currently have 3 cats and a schnauzer. Some people assume the dog has no effect, but schnauzers were originally bred as "ratters" - which is why they are so good at squirrel chasing and rope playing. Even so, even a dumb rat would stay away from the house of three cats :)
Ineffective Pets
Yes, effective rat-controlling pets would be nice. A lot more humane, too. But unfortunately Aphro is just not a hunter, and Yoshi would probably be afraid of them.
Maybe we could borrow Sully for a while? :)
phobia problems
I just want you to know that your behavioural therapy for my rat phobia has been somewhat effective. I managed to read the whole post! Thanks for that!
Oh, and there's a house for sale around the corner from us if you're interested? ;)
We had some mice problems in
We had some mice problems in our previous house so I know where you are coming from. Yuck!
Our real estate agent told us the same thing about Victoria and the rat population. He even told us about some giant rats he came across in a house he once owned and how he had to hire some killer cats to remove them. I get the chills just thinking about it.