Category Archives: Animals

Haunted or Rat Infested – A guide to help you decide

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How can you tell if that tapping on your walls is a rodent lurking or a spirit from the great beyond? Here are some of the signs of a haunting and rat infestation.

Particularly in the evening hours, you have been hearing heavy footsteps in the upstairs hallway when you are certain nobody is up there. Doors slam unexpectedly when the windows are all closed. Items disappear and reappear without cause. Lights flicker or turn on by themselves. There’s the unmistakable scent of death in the air that simply can not be ignored. These may be indications that your house is haunted – or they may simply indicate that you have a rodent problem. A real haunting is a rare occurrence, and it may be difficult to determine whether or not any paranormal phenomena you are experiencing in your home might be due to a haunting or just a simple infestation.

THE SIGNS OF A HAUNTING VS RODENT INFESTATION

The majority of signs of a haunting, thankfully have worldly explanations that have direct parallels with the signs of rodent infestation. For your convenience and comfort, they have been outlined below so that you may determine for yourself whether you need to call some ghost hunters or a priest or just a friendly local pest control company such as Rodent Proof L.L.C.

Unexplained noises- footsteps; knocks, banging, rapping; scratching sounds; sounds of something being dropped. Sometimes these noises can be subtle and other times they can be quite loud.

Worldly explanation: The noises people hear is movement of animals in the attic, within walls and within duct works and crawl spaces. Often rodents are small enough to enter the home through a hole smaller than an quarter or nickel. Their movement can be quite loud depending on the surfaces they are traveling on. Many rodents will carry nesting material, food, or just objects they want along with them in their travels throughout your house.

Doors, cabinets and cupboards opening and closing - most often, these phenomena are not actually seen directly. Those who experience the phenomena either hear the distinct sounds of the doors opening and closing or they will return to a room to find a door open or closed when they are certain that it was left in the opposite position. Sometimes furniture, like kitchen chairs, are perceived to have been moved. Only rarely will people actually witness the phenomenon taking place.

Worldly explanation: Mice in particular love to explore cabinets in search of food, making the kitchen a favorite “haunt” for them. Naturally, rodents will enter cabinets from behind, usually in any area possible. The plumbing beneath the kitchen sink is a common entry area due to open spaces left to the outside. Once inside a cabinet, any rodent will wander around, easily pushing open cabinet doors without ever closing them behind himself.

Lights turning off and on/Flickering Lights- As with the previous evidence, these events are seldom seen actually occurring, but the lights are switched on or off when a person knows they were not left that way. This can also happen with TVs, radios and other electrically powered items. Flickering light may actually be witnessed far more frequently.

Worldly explanation: This phenomena is also a warning to home owners that they may be in some very real danger. Rodents love to chew on electrical wiring which can cause the phenomena listed above. Within many types of electrical wiring inside of homes and in automobiles is an oil that rodents find delicious and irresistible. Once such wiring has been gnawed on, the risk of a house fire increases. Wiring that has been damaged must be replaced to avoid such events from occurring as a result of rodent infestation.

Items disappearing and reappearing- This has been called this “the borrowers” phenomenon, and it’s the familiar experience of not being able to find a regularly used item which you believe you placed in a spot you routinely place them. But they’re gone and you look high and low for them with no success. Some time later, the items are found – but not in exactly the place you normally put them. It’s as if the object was borrowed by someone or something for a short time, then returned. Sometimes they are not returned for days or even weeks, but when they are, it’s in an obvious place that could not have been missed by even a casual search.

Worldly explanation: The white throated wood rat or packrat is well known for collecting many types of objects. This particular species of rodent is especially attracted to shiny items and items such as keys, earrings and small toys are often found in their nests upon investigation. If you have had items go missing, one course of action you may consider is asking a local pest control company such as Rodent Proof L.L.C. to search within attic and crawl spaces as well as within any middens (rat nests) on or near the property for your missing pieces.

Strange animal behavior- pets behave strangely barking at something unseen or cowering without a reason. They may even refuse to enter a room they normally do. Cats may seem to be “watching” something cross a room. Animals have sharper senses than humans, and many people think their psychic abilities might be more finely tuned also.

Worldly explanation: It stands to reason that dogs and cats will be the first occupants of a home to notice a rodent infestation. The sense that these animals have that we humans can be lacking in is actually hearing – rather than psychic abilities. When you have a rodents lurking in the walls, attics and crawl spaces or even running rampant in your kitchen cabinets, it is only natural that the other animals present in your home will take notice and attempt to defend their territory.

A Horrible Smell -Suddenly, as if out of nowhere there is a smell in your house that seems to have no source. Occupants of the home have searched fruitlessly and cleaned without any improvement and the smell persists and even gets worse. This can seem like a paranormal warning from a restless spirit.

Worldly explanation: Very often a rodent may become trapped without food, water or a way to get out of an area of the home after he has found his way in somewhere. Without any escape, this critter dies and the smell of his rotting body is the only indication to you of his existence. Pest control professionals from companies such as Rodent Proof L.L.C. will seek out the body of the deceased and rotting critter, remove the carcass, and sanitize the area. A word of caution: attempting to deal with this particular issue yourself can be quite dangerous, particularly in the American Southwest where any number of diseases (such as HantaVirus, Arenavirus, Plague) may be present. For your own health and safety, please use the educated, licensed, and well prepared professionals at your service.

Now that you are aware of the similarities between a haunting and an infestation, please do yourself a favor and call Rodent Proof L.L.C. for a free inspection. Once a home has been inspected, you can be certain one way or another which type of creepy problem you have in your home. There may be no guarantees with ghost hunters, but Rodent Proof L.L.C. can offer a minimum of 2 years of protection from rodents of all kinds.

Call 1-800-627-3381 to schedule your inspection today.

Attract Lizards to Minimize Scorpion and Spider Populations

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Arizona is home to a number of native lizard species. Generally, most people are thrilled to see these creatures because they add to the natural beauty of our state, but did you know that they are also key in controlling the area’s pest populations as well as pollinating flowers and scattering seeds of native plants?
Regional species of lizards such as the desert spiny lizard, ornate tree lizard, and geckos all feed primarily on spiders, beetles, termites and even scorpions. The aid of a lizard hunting on your property could save you from much of the discomfort that these insects bring. Encouraging lizards to make their home on your property is a wonderful and natural method of pest control.
To begin attracting lizards to your property, use these simple and inexpensive tips.

  • Mulch your garden areas to improve water retention for plants. This creates a humid environment for both lizards and their invertebrate prey.
  • Plant native berry and nectar-producing species to ensure a continuous supply of food year round.
  • If you garden, grow foods organically and minimize the use of pesticides. Lizards will eat prey that is dying from pesticides and may suffer secondary poisoning.
  • Keep cats and other predators from your garden. Plant densely so that predators have difficulty accessing garden areas.
  • Design garden areas with boulders, stone walls, retaining walls or embankments that have plenty of small gaps, cracks and crevices, and encourage fungi, plants and vines to grow on them.
  • Be patient – it may take a while before lizards find the sanctuary you have created for them.

Good to know: All native lizard species are protected by the Wildlife Act and may not be captured, collected or deliberately disturbed without a permit issued by DOC. Generally lizards may only be kept in captivity or collected for scientific, educational or advocacy purposes. Getting to know the habits of these secretive critters in your own lizard-friendly backyard is a far more rewarding alternative!

Good luck!

CK

 

 

 

Scottsdale Packrat Infestation

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 Many Arizona communities, most notably those of the North Scottsdale area have been especially hard hit by packrats (Neotoma albigula).  Packrats are native to Arizona and do millions of dollars in damage to homes and vehicles annually.  Packrats damage attic insulation, wiring, roof underlayment, hot tubs, BBQs, and landscaping plants.  Many homeowners are unaware of infestations because attic insulation often muffles the sounds.  Rodent Proof L.L.C. specializes in all types of rodent issues, offering free estimates and special group discount rates for most services.   

The following are several suggestions to consider as individual homeowners and as a community when dealing with packrats: 

1.  Don’t Give Rats a Place to Live:  Packrat nests are piles of sticks, cactus parts, and debris that range in size from 1 to 3 feet and may contain several rats each.  Removing these nests, which are often present in cactus patches or bushes, can go a long way in reducing packrat numbers on a community scale. Consult a professional (such as Rodent Proof L.L.C.) before removing these nests as they could represent a considerable health risk and contain numerous parasites.    

2.  Rodent Proof Your Home:  Keeping rats out of your home is foremost in preventing material damage and is ultimately the most humane and cost effective solution available.  It is important that each structure be considered individually, so that actions specific to each structure may be taken, ensuring ongoing success in keeping rodents where they belong: outside.

 

3.  Don’t use poison unless your home has been Rodent Proofed:  If you are using poison and your house has not been sealed, it is not a question of whether rodents will die in the walls or attic; it is simply a question of when.  Using professional grade rodenticides is recommended to prevent damage to tile roofs, landscaping, or vehicles, but only if rats are fully excluded from the structure. 

4.  Don’t feed the birds:  Birds go to the feeders during the day and rats visit them at night.  If you are a die-hard birdwatcher clean up spilled seed frequently. 

 

5.  Bring in pet food at night:  Pet food can be a major draw for rats.  Additionally, dog and cat droppings are often consumed by rats and should be cleaned up or removed promptly.

Ultimately, depriving animals of food and shelter goes a long way to discouraging them from nesting in a given area.  Rodent Proofing, in addition to these, virtually eliminates any potential for packrat infestation along with infestation by other small mammals preventing untold damage, destruction and disease.

 

 

Rat Control from a Rat’s Perspective

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If it seems sometimes as if we humans are merely living in a rat’s world instead of the other way around, this is because we are.  Rats got here long before us and they will likely be here long after we are gone along with their rodent brethren and cockroaches.   Rats and rodents in general have adapted throughout the years to every change climate and circumstance and we, as humans, could stand to learn from their example.

You may be asking yourself how it is possible for humans to adapt in order to control rats.  A good place to start is to consider the rat’s point of view and realize that by removing the things that are desirable to rats from your property, you have accomplished a great deal in deterring them.  Rats, regardless of the specifics of species, desire all the same comforts of life that we do: food, water, shelter, and nesting material (their version of furniture).  Rats are not so different from us in their needs, but some boundaries need to be set in order to keep them from sharing in the comforts of YOUR home.

Attempting to simply kill rats off, which is a Sisyphean effort unto itself, will work for a short time only to have us revisiting the problem every few months if not weeks or days.  As rats have learned to adapt, so must we, by controlling the things we can and in doing so, minimize their impact.  The good news is that rat control needn’t be complicated or barbaric when there are smart and permanent solutions available for every budget.

There are any numbers of ways a rat may enter the home from climbing up downspouts to jumping off of nearby low hanging tree limbs.  Rats are fearless climbers and jumpers and are simply searching for a way in to the structure for shelter from the elements.  Once rats have invaded the home, they must be removed before any efforts to keep them out can take place.  Once this sort of work has been finished, areas that have ongoing rat problems may want to consider installing bait stations to help control the rat and general rodent population.  Bait stations are now available in an attractive landscaping style resembling a small boulder.  

Gardeners and fruit tree enthusiasts often find themselves in need of help with their rodent problems.  Citrus trees are a beautiful addition to any yard; however the fruits they produce can attract rats and other pests as well.  Harvesting fruit often and keeping it off the ground will minimize the attraction of pests and some pest management companies now offer to assist in these efforts.  Other edibles in the garden may attract attention from rats as well, and the only reasonable course of action is to harvest fruits and vegetables as soon as it is prudent to do so. 

Rats love ponds, pools and irrigated yards and golf courses.  There is little you can do to change this reality, but it may be helpful in understanding how it could be possible for so many rats to survive in desert climates.  Irrigation lines are often chewed through by rats and other rodents in an attempt to find access to water, so you may want to look for new leaks in drip system lines.  Pool and hot tub equipment is often chewed through for the same reason, much to the frustration many homeowners.

Attics, crawl spaces, hot tubs and barbecues are favorite places for rats to seek shelter.  Thankfully, rat control in these areas is absolutely possible with permanent and customized solutions available from licensed pest and wildlife management companies.  Structural exclusion methods used by such companies prove to be the most effective and humane solution in a situation where rodents are present.  Exclusion has come a long way from it’s beginnings with steel wool and caulk and is far more attractive and durable now.  This method, once successfully completed, keeps all small animals out of the home which protects precious electrical wiring, insulation, duct work, and so much more.  It must be mentioned here that structural exclusion will only prevent damage from occurring in the home when all animals have been trapped and removed from the structure to be sealed up.  A trapped and panicky rat can be extremely destructive before they die of thirst or starvation.

Rats will use available loose brush (i.e. / twigs, branches, leaves, rubbish) to build a nest or midden outdoors rather than OR in addition to invading the home.  These middens take time to build but can grow quite large and complex over time and may house several territorial rat families.  To prevent such rat nests from cropping up on your property, it is advisable to remove any materials that may be used and easily carried by rats to build such a structure.  Pest and wildlife management companies may be utilized in order to destroy and remove middens.  It is particularly advisable to enlist help in dealing with midden removal considering that they can grow to weigh in at hundreds of pounds and may grow in height to six feet tall.  Help is also necessary in situations where a nest has been built in an attic area that may be difficult to move about within and the risk of exposure to infectious diseases carried by rats is highest.

Ask your friendly local pest and wildlife management professional today if bait stations and structural exclusion are right for your home and property today.  These individuals can help you fix the problems you have with rats and other pests as well as assisting to adapt your home to its environment and prevent pest problems for years to come.