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   Question    posted to Exterminators on 11/02/08 11:10 AM, Ossining, NY 10562
We just discovered a dying rat in our back yard (it's lying on the patio.)  How do we deal with a potential rat problem?  So far, we've found none in the house.  Should we call an exterminator?  Should we make sure all food is kept in plastic bins?  We have heard of rat sightings in the neighborhood before, but in all our years of being here, have never encountered one before.  
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Specialist Answer 1 of 2
   Answered By     J C Ehrlich, 11/03/08 12:15 PM
J C Ehrlich
73 E Main St
Elmsford, NY 10523
914-345-0167
Email Company
View Business Info

It is quite common when the weather turns colder to see rodents more active They are simply looking for sources of food and shelter. There are also many reasons why you may be seeing them for the first time, such as construction or land development nearby, new houses being built, landscaping changing ,etc. All of these things can stir the rodents and send them to new areas where they have not been seen before.

First and foremost it is important to check the foundation and exterior for possible entry sites. Any holes or gaps 1/4 inch or larger should be sealed up with appropriate materials. This includes using sweeps under doors. Second, keep all garbage closed up in cans. Do not leave any food materials where they can get to it.

It doesn't sound like an infestation, more like a stray, but I would always recommend a professional inspection to identify causes and recommend a program that will control the activity.

Call us at (914) 345-0167 to schedule a free inspection.

Thank You

J.C. Ehrlich

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Specialist Answer 2 of 2
   Answered By     R.Dana Pest Control Corp., 11/05/08 01:37 PM
R.Dana Pest Control Corp.
734 E Boston Post Rd
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
914-698-2069
danapestcontrol@aol.com
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Finding a dying rat in your back yard can be very disturbing especially if your household has any small children that do not understand why a small animal is hurt. 

Lets begin with why. There maybe a neighbor on either side or perhaps behind you that is placing rodent bait around.  The rats that are outside can be a couple of things. The poisen that you can buy and the poison that a professional uses causes the rat, or mouse, to seek water. The poison causes internal bleeding and has an anticoagulant that makes the rodent bleed to death.  Copies of the label should have been given to the property owner and kept on hand for such an incident.  My answer about your concern of rodents in the area is this:  Are any of your neighbors, including yourself, feeding the birds, are there compost piles, is the area covered with high weeds or depris? Having an inspection may be a good idea. I would not sign any contracts and make sure the inspection is free.  We offer free inspections and will make a recommendation at that time.  We do not hold anyone to a yearly contract and we supply you with all the label material that you will need to keep on file.  We are a family owned and operated company and are in the process of getting our "Green" certification.  You can find us on the web at:  www.danapestcontrol.com.  We are available anytime for any questions or concerns you may have, no matter how small or big they may be. 

Kristine Dana, President, Dana Pest Control Corp. 1-877-966-2847

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