My husband and I are struggling with a rodent issue in our crawlspace that's driving us crazy. We've had numerous pest control companies come in, and they all seem to provide different solutions. One company suggested a hole near our HVAC system and quoted us $3,000 for cleanup and repairs, but a reputable HVAC company inspected the area and found no such hole. Another contractor hinted that the problem might be under the encapsulation and suggested we have the tarp unpinned to check for entry points. We're hesitant to spend more money, especially after recent expenses for a new water tank and a chimney update.
We're looking for the best way forward without just patching up damaged ducts until we deal with the rats and locate the entry point. Would setting up cameras help? If so, any recommendations?
2 Answers
One method that worked for us was to grab a powerful flashlight and turn off all the lights in the basement. Then have someone outside look for any beams of light coming through. For cameras, we use Blink; they’re reasonably priced and only record when there's motion. This helped us pinpoint where the rodents were sneaking in. After identifying the entry points, we used expanding foam to seal the holes. Good luck!
You might not love this suggestion, but getting a cat could really help. Cats are natural hunters and can keep the rodent population in check. Maybe consider two!
These rats are massive, way too big for a cat to deal with. I once saw a tail slip under my deck in broad daylight. A ratter dog, like a terrier, might help, but I'm not keen on bringing pets into the mix either.
The light idea is great! Thank you!