Rat Infestation!

[slinkycat]

Haven't been on here for ages, but remember that there was a member called Ratter, is he still about?
Could do with a bit of advice. My son has a rat infestation, which the pest control people have tracked to the space under his downstairs bathroom/utility area.
They have laid poison, which has so far resulted in 6 dying rats in the bathroom, but what they have suggested to totally eradicate them is going to be rather destructive!
Not expecting an answer at this late hour so will check back tomorrow!

[scorpiojo]

You could post an FAO RATTER15

[slinkycat]

He's still on here then? I'll try that, thank you scorpiojo

[scorpiojo]

Yes, he was posting yesterday :)

[slinkycat]

Ok thanks, if he doesn't see this post I'll put out an alert for him :)

[Bathsheba]

I'll give him a nudge on Facebook if you want?

Baths
x x x

[slinkycat]

That would be great Bathsheba, my son is at his wits end :(

[Bathsheba]

Have told him he's needed over here, hopefully he'll get back to you soon ;)

Baths
x x x

[slinkycat]

Thank you so much xxx

[slinkycat]

RATTER15 if you do happen to reply to this, thank you, and i will get back to you!

[RATTER15]

Hi Slinky, so what are you thinking they will be doing that is destructive? Is this the first infestation or has it been an ongoing issue.
Where are the rats, just in the bathroom or are they in other areas as well?The Pest Controller, are they Council or private?

[slinkycat]

Hi Ratter thanks for getting back to me. As far as my son is aware, this is the first infestation. It's a private company, they put a camera down and have identified two nests, one under the utility room and another larger one under the bathroom. Both have concrete (possibly suspended concrete) floors.
They have said that they may have to dig up the floors so that they can fully seal off any holes, otherwise, even if this lot of rats are killed, others may move back in.
Just wondering if it is usual to suggest such a drastic course of action, never dealt with anything like this before!

[RATTER15]

No Slinky it is not normal to be doing that, I would also be a bit doubtful about the nests that he "supposedly" saw.

I would get rid of the current infestation and see if they return. Personally I would see if an access trap can be made in the suspended floor from where to put future poisons down if required.

Ive never come across a situation where I have even considered digging up the floor.

Dont let them give you any flannel about how difficult rats are to get rid of, if the pest controller knows his job, your infestation will be gone in a few days after the initial treatment. Rats are very easy to get rid of, mice are more difficult.

[Old_Geezer]

And as a bonus, I hear "rat on a stick" is a great delicacy.

[slinkycat]

Ok thanks for that, it's great to have a second opinion.
They put the poison down a week last friday. There have been 6 dead rats in the bathroom so far, the latest one was yesterday.
As you can imagine, my son and his partner are anxious to reclaim their bathroom, at the moment they are using ours!