Thinking of moving to Chicago? You should!
I'm sure you've seen our police department's recent report that we've only had 203 murders so far this year. How awesome is that?!
And it's not just the cops. All the people here are on the ball—and together, we have everything under control.
I'll give you an example from my own neighborhood. A neighbor used the Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Watch Facebook page to ask for advice.
"This is not an emergency post," she acknowledged, "but we have so many rats around us."
My condo and balcony face the alley and I see them all over! They come in my yard, climb in my flower boxes, etc.
I heard a neighbor got two cats to help solve the problem but it's not doing anything. Last year we bought the rat box with the poison (it basically dehydrates them because they are always thirsty) but even that isn't working. I can hear and see them fighting when I try to enjoy a glass of wine on my balcony. Ugh it's more stress.
I know it's city living, but these things are huge! And there are lots of babies this summer too. … What are other people doing to keep them away?
Her neighbors scurried in to offer their suggestions:
I caught one a couple weeks ago in a trap by the tail. Unfortunately, it didn't die, so we called 311 to help us dispose of it. They sent 3 people out (2 days later) …
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We bought a battery powered "rat zapper" to use in our yard a couple years ago. It works well, but you do have to dispose of the beasts after they are zapped…
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Chili pepper maybe. I use the Black and Decker plug ins that give off a high frequency sound. Works well with bugs and mice, not sure about rats. But it's worth a try. Safe for pets too
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Wrap the poison in raw hamburger & they are goners.
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Just be conscious of any feral kitties, they will ingest poison if it's in something they can get into.
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I was told if you see any holes, stuff steel wool down them. They eat it trying to get out and it rips up their digestive track and they die in the hole. Gross to think about, but I too worry about killing cats and dogs with poison.
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Get rid of food sources, namely open garbage and a big one: dog poop (they love it).
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I don't think dog poop is the problem considering there is dog poop ALL over the neighborhood. If rats loved it so much, there wouldn't be the concern about stepping in it on a parkway or other areas as the ravenous rats that love dog poop would devour it ALL. Then rats would serve a purpose. There is a reason that the plastic garbage bins in the alleys have chew marks & holes in the lids or base of the containers. Those containers hold the repas de choix. Why eat dog poop when there are better meals??
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A few years ago I called 311 and asked for help after the City baited the alley and the rats started living in our yard. The City sent an inspector who gave us a citation for "harboring rats" and gave us a hearing date. No kidding.
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We have had big problems with daytime rats because their nests are getting so crowded. Not anymore. First thing that I do is find the holes. I then fill the holes with "just one bite" Farnam Home & Garden. After a day or two, you will see rats wandering around dazed by the poison. After a few days, you will see far less rats.
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Adopt an older cat that is used to the outdoors. Keep water and some shelter near your property, but let Mr Whiskers fight this battle. If you keep up your end (shelter, warmth, some food and a place to call "home"), I bet your new champ takes care of business.
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We have cats in the neighborhood. All they do is poop on our property which brings rats and flies.
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I read that male urine keeps them away, so have at it guys! 🙂
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Q. How do you kill rats in Chicago?
A. You don't. You just piss them off.
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