Do I Need a Licence to Kill Rats?
WouterMost jurisdictions permit the use of cats and dogs in rat extermination, though employing the use of dogs to hunt rats for sport is against the law. Some cities, such as New York, have faced complaints from animal rights groups, which have led to arrests. Nevertheless, the federal government permits the indiscriminate use of most rat poisons. However, new regulations are set to come into effect in 2012. The new regulations will require that all rat poison be packaged so that pets and children are unable to access it. They will also prohibit scattering rat poison.
Rats are incredibly hardy animals. They have evolved to be able to withstand poisons and traps better than any other animal. As a result, the only effective solution to rat problems is a change of habitat. Rats will feed on just about anything that humans eat and will leave behind feces and urine.
If you suspect you have a rat infestation, it’s important to get professional help. Rats can cause significant damage to your property. For example, they can chew on electrical cords, gnaw on paper, and even eat food you leave out on your counter. They also leave droppings and urine all over your home, increasing your risk of contracting diseases. You should also make sure you maintain your property so that rodents don’t find food sources.
Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to use both traps and poisons. If the problem is widespread, you should consider contacting a licensed pest control service. A good place to start looking for licensed pest control services is your local yellow pages. Wooden snap traps can be used to control rat populations in your home or business. Peanut butter is an excellent bait for a snap trap. Place the traps about 3 inches away from walls with the trigger facing the wall. Alternatively, you can use boxes with openings on both sides of the traps.
