Neil from Nyc writes
I live in a row how with a 1st floor extension (slab on grade), and I thought I had a rat problem, Used Contrac in the Basement, and I baited the ceiling by wire stringing 3 blocks and letting a length of wire hang from the ceiling. Every day, I would check to see if the wire moved. Recently, I noticed that the wire moved about 8 inches into the ceiling and then I heard subsequent scratching later in the day. Now, I keep baiting the ceiling and I keep seeing the wire moving! (It's been about 3 days). I hope it's only one rodent as I heard scratching only in one specific place. Questions. 1. Do rats stop and gnaw or do they drag the food back? I had 3 blocks wired in series and now I can't even see them in the ceiling in the hole that was made. 2. How long does it take for rodent to die? I know that it depends on ingestion, but, if a rodent takes a bite of the bait, will it die eventually? It's been driving me crazy! I will have to eventually crack the ceiling open and look for points of entry, as it is a point of curiosity. It has just turned really cold as well. Any suggestions?
After eating a lethal dose of Contrac Blox it can take 3-7 days for a rodent to die. Rodents will sit and gnaw the bait if it is held in place so that they cannot simply carry it away. If the bait is not secured there is a good chance the rodents will carry it back to their nesting area. We recommend you read our articles How to get rid of Roof Rats and also How to rodent proof your home. Because you live in a row house we also recommend speaking to your neighbors and sharing this information. Without their cooperation you may not be able to control the rodent population around your home.
Answer last updated on: 12/11/2011
