Rat Under the Front Porch in Freehold, NJ

Challenge

After spotting a rat running under her porch, this homeowner in Freehold, NJ called Cowleys for help. When we arrived, the homeowner mentioned that she noticed that the rat ran under a brick paver when she screamed after finding it. We investigated and noticed that underneath several loose brick pavers were rat burrows. 

Rats create underground burrows or pathways from their nest to food sources as well as to escape predators. These burrows usually contain a main entrance and 1 or 2 exit holes away from the main entrance. The main opening to a rat's burrow is 2 to 4 inches in diameter and is smooth from use. Occasionally, there will be a pile of rat feces near the opening.

Solution

First, we placed a dusting tracking powder inside the burrows and properly cleaned up the droppings. Next, we installed several exterior rodent bait stations near each of the openings. Rats will follow the same pathways over and over again and will be tempted to enter the bait stations.  Lastly, we scheduled several follow-up visits to replenish the bait stations, monitor the infestation, and, if necessary, apply additional treatments.