Rats in the backyard?

We live in a ground floor apartment of a brownstone.  The backyard was recently dug up and is in the process of being landscaped, and over the last 2 weeks I’ve seen a rat roaming around out back.  The first time it was roaming around the dirt pile, about 10 feet from the building.  This morning it was at my patio door.  Do I need to worry that there’s a rat infestation somewhere in the building?  How do I get rid of these rats, or will they just go back into hiding once the dirt is settled?  Is it possible the landscaper opened up a hole in the wall where they were hiding?  Will the rats try to get into my apartment? I’d really appreciate some advice.  I have a toddler that will be playing out there, and the last thing I want is to see a rat come up to say hello while we’re out there.

wannabebrownstoner

in Pest Control 12 years and 11 months ago

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JimmyLegs | 12 years and 11 months ago

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sorry but you’re worried about one (1) rat roaming around outside? as long as your doors/windows are closed and you aren’t leaving garbage outside, i wouldn’t worry. the likelihood an exterminator would be able to trap a single rat who can walk literally anywhere is pretty slim. don’t waste your time and money, there must be bigger things to worry about, no?

fillmanmike | 12 years and 11 months ago

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You can get a cat temporary. Although that is another responsibilty. When I had a “rat scare” in the past I borrowed my friend’s cat and they were gone in a few days. But you should also contact an exterminator.

bpie | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Check out the Rat Zapper.  They also sell the “Rat’s Nest” to keep it dry for temporary outdoor use.

viaorient | 12 years and 11 months ago

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In my sad experience, there is not much you can do.  Most importantly make sure all potential holes or cracks are filled with cement or metal — smth they cant cut through. You want to make sure they can’t get inside your house.  You can bring an exterminator, but the city rats are very smart and it’s virtually impossible to get rid of them. And you will end up paying the extreminator at least $200 if not much more and they tell you they can’t provide guarantee.   Keeping garbage away and any potential source of food would be helpful, but its virtually impossible as all they need is very little…

trolltoll | 12 years and 11 months ago

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1.  Panic, allow yourself to be afraid.  Rats carry diseases, some fatal, and it is impossible to know how many or whether they can be treated.  2\. Tell all your neighbors to stop eating food or defecating in their homes.  Food and other nutrient-rich waste attracts rats.  3\. Go on vacation.  You look a mess.

anotherposter | 12 years and 11 months ago

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I would call an exterminator.  I’m guessing he will try trapping or baiting (poison).  I prefer trapping (and then killing) over poison because you can’t control where they go to die and if there’s any chance it can get somewhere hard for you to remove it, you will have to deal with the awful stench of rotting rat for a while.