Product Q&A

Gregory from Las Vegas Nv writes

Tackling a rat problem in an area accessible by kids, pets?

I recently moved to Las Vegas and rented a nice ranch style house in the North sector of town. In this subdivision, all of the houses are well maintained and most have swimming pools, in-ground sprinkler systems, palm trees and the back yards are separated by 6ft to 8ft concrete walls. My house is enclosed in the back. I have a pool and built in BBQ area and the front yard is open. I've seen coyotes and fox traipsing around in the area but no major birds of prey. While sitting in the pool the other night a friend and I noticed shadows on the surrounding wall so we flashed a light and were shocked to see rats using the tops of the walls as mini-highways. I have to assume the rats are migrating out from the sewer systems at night because of the cooler temps and to search for water/food. Most people have vegetation, trees along the back walls of their property. Vegas is a very hot desert climate, so water is #1 on the survival list. My first thought was that the pool water was attracting the critters. Then I realized that most people have BBQs, decks and eating areas in their back yards, so water may be only one of the factors. I am inclined to use food poison pellets because trapping doesn't seem to be as effective as bait. Problem is, I'm not sure which is best for this scenario. Friends and family (and their pets) visit and of course the pool and back yard has trees, bushes, rocks on the outer edges and is the focal point for get togethers. My worry is that a child or pet will inadvertently come in contact with the poison. Appreciate your recommendations.