Roof rat control
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Roof rat control
Location is Miami, Florida.
I haven't noticed any rats inside the house or attic, but have noticed at night roof rats running along the top of the wood fence, and the fence is only fiive feet from the exterior wall of the house.
A few years ago I had some rat issues inside the house (hearing rat noises inside walls), I had a pest control company come by and put bait in the attic and sealed off a soffit vent, and the problem went away.
Now I haven't seen any inside the house but I see at least 4 of them running along the wood fence tonight.
I have a very big (diameter about 48") banyan tree at the edge of this wood fence and I am guessing the rats are nested somewhere inside this tree.
Problem is I believe there are squirrels also living in/on this tree and they also run along the top of the fence during the day.
Is there any way I can eliminate the rat population without killing the squirrels?
I haven't noticed any rats inside the house or attic, but have noticed at night roof rats running along the top of the wood fence, and the fence is only fiive feet from the exterior wall of the house.
A few years ago I had some rat issues inside the house (hearing rat noises inside walls), I had a pest control company come by and put bait in the attic and sealed off a soffit vent, and the problem went away.
Now I haven't seen any inside the house but I see at least 4 of them running along the wood fence tonight.
I have a very big (diameter about 48") banyan tree at the edge of this wood fence and I am guessing the rats are nested somewhere inside this tree.
Problem is I believe there are squirrels also living in/on this tree and they also run along the top of the fence during the day.
Is there any way I can eliminate the rat population without killing the squirrels?
#2
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Now I haven't seen any inside the house but I see at least 4 of them running along the wood fence tonight.
Is there any way I can eliminate the rat population without killing the squirrels
#3
Group Moderator
You might find or make a trap or poison bait station that relies on the animals different behaviors. Squirrels are active during the day and tend to not explore dark cavities and tunnels. Rats are nocturnal and will explore tunnels, holes. Maybe a box with holes at the ends or a pipe or tunnel with a trap or poison in the middle. You could further reduce the chance of trapping squirrels by placing the trap outside before bed and bring it in when you get up in the morning.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
I spoke to a local pest control company and he said there is a type of bait stations that can be used outdoors that will allow rats to get inside to take the baits but squirrels are too big to get to. The rats then will go off somewhere to die.
I am debating whether to use that method or not.
Here are some pictures of one rat, during the day!
Are these "roof rats"?
I am debating whether to use that method or not.
Here are some pictures of one rat, during the day!
Are these "roof rats"?
#5
Forum Topic Moderator
I’m skeptical that a rat could get in but not a squirrel; maybe, maybe not. However I still wouldn’t worry about the squirrels. Priority is to kill the rats.
If you go with the stations be aware that the rats like privacy and seclusion when they feed. As best you can, tuck the stations behind concealment such as bushes, utilities, under decks, etc. Rats are neophobic (fear of new things) so they won’t eat the bait as soon as mice would. Pay attention to the size of the droppings and maybe you can tell who’s eating.
If you go with the stations be aware that the rats like privacy and seclusion when they feed. As best you can, tuck the stations behind concealment such as bushes, utilities, under decks, etc. Rats are neophobic (fear of new things) so they won’t eat the bait as soon as mice would. Pay attention to the size of the droppings and maybe you can tell who’s eating.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
The pest control company put down these bait stations called "EZCLEAN".
They are about the size of old phone books.
They put bait inside not sure what kind but shaped like popsicles.
The opening are supposed to allow rats in but not squirrels.
They are about the size of old phone books.
They put bait inside not sure what kind but shaped like popsicles.
The opening are supposed to allow rats in but not squirrels.