When rats begin to infest a home, they typically nest in areas that don't regularly see foot traffic. Rats prefer basements, attics and ceiling voids to nest and breed. Because a home is a great food source and provides adequate shelter, other rats are encouraged to nest, being attracted by both the food supply and the other rats. Once a problem is detected, removing the droppings from the ceiling void is integral to overall control.
Instructions
1. Set several flea foggers off inside the ceiling void to kill any insects that may have been attracted to both the food particles and rat droppings. Let the area vent as long as recommended by the manufacturer before proceeding.
2. Combine one part bleach with nine parts water in a sprayer. Put on old clothing, dust mask, goggles and gloves. Liberally spray the bleach solution onto the rat droppings and onto any nests.
3. Pick up the rat droppings and nests with a garden trowel. Place into trash bags. Seal the bags and discard them. Vacuum up any droppings that may be unreachable. Empty the vacuum dirt reservoir into a trash bag and dispose of it.
4. Spray household disinfectant all over the ceiling void after picking up or vacuuming up the rat droppings and nests. This will complete the cleaning and finally disinfect the area.
5. Cover any openings where rats may enter with wire mesh. Cut to fit with aluminum snips, then fasten to block the opening with a screw gun and screws.
Tags: attracted both, attracted both food, both food, ceiling void, droppings nests, into trash