topic Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls? in Community Chat

Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

JoyFilled Warrior — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:00:36 GMT

Hi @Folks

I'm freaking out!

This is horribly embarrassing!!

I have a distinct feeling that I newly have rodents under the house. And I have a Pest Inspector coming early this AM.

Im wondering if there's Questions I should ask, or Directions I should give to this Pest Inspector, Fixer, to rid myself of this total problem, & any destructive, or protective utility after effects?

I dont really know all that is under a house! (crawl space) ?water (I assume) ?Electric? ?What else there??

(NO AirDucts under the house. I believe the HVAC ducts are in the Attic)

If that under house water, & any electric (If its there), dont cause the house to blow up, or fall into a sink hole!!

Background

Several houses, down aways of the side street have been torn down. And as a City Girl, the only thing I know abt rodents is that they scatter when an old building is torn down, (if rodents have been living in that old building). I've never even seen a rodent, except to zip past me, on the sidewalk, running from the destruction of ant old City bldg!

I suspect rodents because I accidentally noticed, my garage has eaten seed shells on the floor. I checked my car trunk, where I've stored some bags of bird seeds for 6 yrs, untouched by rodents, and NOW, more seed shells in the car trunk too!!

Thanks to a friend who came over to fix my washing machine, only to find out, there's low pressure in the cold water source (under the house?)

And last night, my cat & I were awakened with a *horribly LOUD* scratching noise, seems to lead to the Pantry, (which has no food in it, thank goodness)

So, at this early AM Appt with the Pest Company, what should I ask, or look for, & ask, or have him fix, when he inspects?

TIA

(added)

OHH. It suddenly started pouring a drenching rain. I wonder if the Pest Inspector/Fixer will still come??

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

piperbay — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:15:48 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior The pest control man should know what to do. My son lives in the city and has the same problem you do. He had traps placed in the house and outside and

it's been a success.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

JoyFilled Warrior — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:21:23 GMT

Hi @piperbay

Thank you!

I'm also concerned abt leaking water from the pipes under the house, cause the water bill suddenly has gone crazy!

And not sure if there's electric under the house too. And if the water & electric are near one another there.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

piperbay — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:31:47 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior I would express that to the pest control man then. It wouldn't hurt to go over it.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

on the bay — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:36:01 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior,

Aw, I just want you to know there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

My daughter's house had mice and she lives in a very nice neighborhood. Lots of trees, brick houses. Her house is beautiful and clean.

We kept hearing them in the walls several times over a few years. Finally when moving a mattress from the attic she saw droppings up there.

She freaked out too. A company came to get rid of them up there just recently.

City, country, they will find a safe warm place to live and nest. They don't only choose creepy old places in the city.

And your guy will tell you all you need to know and do. That's what they do and are paid for. It is an unnerving sound when they are in the walls and ceiling at night.

My mother's house when I stayed there with her had one running across the floor at night. I could see him as I slept on the couch. He was so cute!

I put cotton balls soaked with peppermint oil from the grocery store in the garage and all around and that really did keep them away for awhile anyway.

But for huge houses with attics and crawl spaces you need a professional usually like you are doing.

But forgive me, I always think of "Cinderellys" mice and am sad for them too.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

ciao_bella — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:42:16 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior One thing at a time. Take a deep breath and try and calm yourself. It's not embarrassing. Most all of us have had some kind of rodent or insect problem at one time or another. When the pest company comes, tell them exactly what you told us today in your post. They will know what to put down to rid your house of rodents. As far as having seeds in bags, I would suggest you fit the bags in large heavy plastic bins or crates with snap on lids to make them air tight so as not to entice any rodents.

The water/electric issue, since you indicated your water bill has increased a lot. I would call the water department of your township and ask them to come and make an inspection. If they won't come, ask them who you can call to make the inspection. You can do the same for the electric.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

KingstonMom — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:19:13 GMT

We recently found out that mice were invading our elevated, screened in deck, enjoying our bird food.

First we discovered how they were getting in (via holes they made in the screens), then put traps and bags of rat poison scattered around the large deck, DH is an 'overkill' kinda guy.

The bird seed is now in a covered container, as well.

So far, the traps have been the most efficient, catching 3 of them.

Good luck with your mice problem!

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

Eileen in Virginia — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:36:45 GMT

@JoyFilled Warrior Make sure your pest control company sends an experienced technician. We had ants in our house several years ago and the technician who came out for the ants was much more experienced than those who came later to conduct our quarterly inspections. They should conduct a comprehensive inspection of your house to include checking for small openings in your house's basement, roofline & siding and any shrubs/trees that would provide rodents access to those openings. I was told that, if a rat can get its head through a hole (about the size of a quarter), it can compress its body to get through. This happened a couple of years ago in the house where we were vacationing. The house was surrounded by shrubs and saplings that the owner had allowed to grow right up to the house.

Regarding your car, store your birdseed in an old-fashioned stainless steel trash can with a tight lid. Then have a mechanic check the car to ensure the rodents haven't gnawed through any wires, belts or hoses (or set up housekeeping). If you have any cars that you don't use on a regular basis, make a point of taking them out for a spin at least once a week. Unused or seldom-used vehicles provide a cozy nesting spot for rodents.

Although we live in a typical suburban neighborhood, there are beautiful wooded jogging paths along a stream just a couple of streets away. Rats and possums use the storm drains to travel through the neighborhood. If they find a food source, they'll take advantage of it. Cleanliness has very little to do with it. Good luck!

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

sunshine45 — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:55:06 GMT

we have had on and off pest problems for years now.

it happens moreso during the colder months because the mice just want to come in and stay warm.

it is a bit unnerving to hear those scratching sounds late at night when you are trying to sleep. it makes you wonder if the mouse is close by, where he is, what he is doing. lol

we decided to have regular pest control services monthly. it has really helped. he sets the bait (no traps) and adds it monthly as needed. he also sprays all around the house outside. anytime we have any issue we call or email him and he either comes right away if necessary OR will add it to his list on his next visit.

we pay about $70 a month for the services.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

JoyFilled Warrior — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 12:57:13 GMT

Mice are destructive too?

My HVAC man fixed my Attic Heat Equipmenta week ago, & I asked, "Did you see anything up there that doesnt belong there?"

Bless his heart, he was honest. He said he "sees mice droppings on top of the HVAC unit." I took my Disabled Body and climbed up the fold down ladder, & crawled up along in there for the 1st (& last) time! I couldnt get close enough to see Mice Droppings, but I trust him. He said "mice go up to such HVAC units in Winter to warm up." I didnt exactly know what to do with that info. I thought it was like a kind of Winter "Warm Cuddling," then they leave for somewhere during the warmer months. I guess now, since I know they're destructive too, we need to do something to rid them too!

The HVAC man talked about something like a Green Bouillion Cube that's put around the underground. (I dont want dead under/around the house. And I dont want to have to dispose of dead/live caught rodents/animals).

He said rodents eat this Green Cube, and take it back to the rodent nest, they banquet, & I think he said they die there. (Hopefully not in my garage! house, car, trunk or anywhere near me! ..my cat, or .. my living space)

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

bikerbabe — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:08:26 GMT

Please don’t use poison! So much wildlife and feral cats are killed and die a horrible death from eating rodents that have been poisoned.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

River Song — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:18:29 GMT

The green cube the HVAC man was talking about is an anticoagulant rodenticide. Home Depot has several brands to choose from. Just be aware that squirrels and raccoons are attracted to this bait and will eat it.

It's best to store bird seed in a galvanized metal garbage can with a tight fitting lid. Mice and rats can chew through a plastic garbage can to get to the seed.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

spumoni99 — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:31:43 GMT

Your local electric/water companies may come out and have a look for free, you need to be careful if like you said you have a water leak near elecricity.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

gidgetgh — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:33:41 GMT

Two pieces of advice for you.

Let the pest control specialist do their job.

Stop feeding the birds. The bird seeds attract rodents.

In our old house I heard something in the attic. Pest control came and said there were rats in the attic and he took care of those. He walked around outside, pointed to our bird feeders which hung from our deck and said "get rid of those". And we did and we were never bothered again.

Nothing to be embarrassed about, but you have to take steps to get rid of them and make them feel unwelcome at your house. I'd stop feeding the birds.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:48:32 GMT

Oh the mice stories I could tell you, @JoyFilled Warrior. 🐁 Bats too. 🦇 And I can toss in a snake or two. 🐍

We live in a subdivision in a rural area. Our property has a wooded area between us and the neighbors. Varmints are part of nature and sometimes they forget to stay where they belong. And yes, I've freaked out too. Your pest control person knows what to do, Just make sure you tell them if you have pets so they can take instruct you on where any poison is, if yiu go that route, so you can keep them away.

And let me assure you, if you're thinking you're a dirty homeowner because of this you are not. It happens.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

sunshine45 — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:46:58 GMT

if you have a major mouse presence, they can also get into your cars and chew on the wiring.....more issues, more money. if you do have them you will notice them/hear them much more during the colder months.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

occasionalrain — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 13:59:26 GMT

If the bird feeders and seed is outside, why would the mice come inside? I've had three bird feeders in front of my living room windows for years and have never had rodents inside my house.

I keep the seed that's inside my house in a plastic container.

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

We rescue cats — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:44:21 GMT

Please ask your exterminator to use only "first generation only" poison if he must use poison. That way if the rodent eats the poison and a bird grabs the body the bird will not be poisoned. It's what we need to use in the camper over the winter. We also feed the birds, our birdseed is kept in galvanized garbage cans. We live in a rural area and have 20 acres of ground that is 1000 feet off the road so we have plenty of critter visitors! Today we have workers here starting a new roof project so we have zero critter visitors!

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

JoyFilled Warrior — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:48:56 GMT

Update:

The Pest guy came & went in abt 15-20 min, most of which was me telling him all the whole story.

He placed these big oblong, (8" x 11") looking, somewhat enclosed boxes around at 3 places, Back Porch, only 1 of 2 Crawl Spaces, & Garage where rodent access hole was seen. Maybe he placed one at the attic, at my request. I wanted more put around, & I pushed, but he said all he did was sufficient.

Surprisingly, no hole, no droppings in the Pantry. WHEW!!! (There's no food in there) I expected one, but he said the outrageously loud scratching betw the Bedroom & Pantry, one night, was them going inside the wall!!

(But I did find my Breadmaker in the Pantry. I forgot I put it there.)

I also checked on my Vitamix, WP Electric Pressure Cooker, & bunches of Lock n Lock, that I knew I put there. No chewing thru their cords! phew

But I still need someone to go under the house & check for chewed pipes & whatever else damage, incl under house blockage to cold water to my Washing Machine.

As suggested above, I'll talk with the City.

Interesting, I lived in a 1960s house, only 1 street over, for 20 yrs! and here for the 1st of 6-8 yrs and NEVER had a hint of any of these problems until the last weeks/month. No rodents.

Unless because it's my only "rodent City paradigm," I swear all this is because of the tearing down of those 3 condemned houses up the street, the most recent is only 5 houses away, on the Side Street, across this Main Street. (rumor: because of that house's outrageous plumbing problem. ?? any possible rodents looking for another place??).

So, next step. Onward & upward, to the outrageous water usage/bills/leakage under the house. And any "remnants" from the Mouse Traps.

I dont see how cats or larger animals could get any of the poison, I assume is inside these traps, unless they tear up the black box its in.

BTW, the Pest Man said he treated a house once, whereby their active Living Room Sofa was FILLED with RATS, and their cats just slept on top of the Sofa!! These "things" are nasty!

I thought bugs, (which I ABHOR), would outlive us all. I guess rodents too!?

Re: Pest Inspection this AM ?Rodents ?Advise Pls?

Burnsite — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 16:18:06 GMT

Glad to hear that the inspector began his plan; these folks know what they are doing.

I had a rat problem in my kitchen. Rats have proliferated in my neighborhood due to my least favorite neighbor (lives next door,sigh). He poisoned all the racer snakes (also known as "rat snakes"). The snakes are unaggressive and do no harm to anything but the canal-loving rats nearby. Now we are overwhelmed by them. My little cat May was quite interested in them, but just watched the rat-show as if it were a TV Special.

I called the right rat catcher, as he saw at a glance that the rats were in my kitchen because they often love to live in the narrow area behind the dishwashers. They had come down from the attic. He meshed all small holes that would admit them--and I have an old house full of little cracks. He told me the dishwasher had to go--in fact, it had stopped working awhile ago (rats had gnawed at the wires). And when it was removed, the tiny alley behind it was like a horror movie.

All quiet on this front for five months--so they can be controlled. I found this problem incredibly depressing, but it is possible to stop the infestation. They had started in the attic and had come down into the area behind the dishwasher. It was next door to my hurricane supply under-cabinet--and if we didn't find water bottles, apparently untouched yet gnawed into from the very top of the bottles--all my water was gone, but the bottles were apparently OK on a quick glance. The rat catcher, something of a philosopher, reacted to the emptied water with the comment, "All rats have a PhD in survival."