[Lovey2]

OK...my idea on the rat "problem". I lived in southwest Florida, Cape Coral, for 23 years. I lived on a saltwater canal. I can tell you for a fact, the neighbors on either side of me had rats in their home. 1 property kept big bags of dog food in the garage and the rats got in to that on a regular basis, the other was a "snowbird" home, with lots of trees up by the roof line and little activity for months. The rats took up residence in their attic. I immediately called my pest control when I learned of the rats in the attic and subsequently the living area of the home next door. They refused to come out and trap! 2 reasons...1-the traps would draw the rats from the home next door to MY home and 2-I had a cat in residence (they know this because I was adamant about NOT spraying inside the pool cage from the outside). Also...very important...I had NO trees or plants up against my house. The few palms I had were far enough away and were trimmed regularly. I have never seen cabbage palms NOT trimmed in populated areas until I moved here. Rats and roaches live in those dead frond bases. They need to be trimmed and striped off. But that's another story. And most of those are far enough away from the homes. I decided to not plant palms when we came here for that reason, and for lack of good space, nor do I have anything up against the house. Yes, any food you leave outside will draw critters...that includes bird seed (snakes and rats), grill "stuff" and kitty food. Oh, I had a grill outside on the lanai for most of those 23 years and never had anything eat their way in. I will say, I have seen 2 (!) roaches since I've been here. By rec centers! That is amazing... Anyway, I guess we just all need to be vigilant and keep our eyes (and ears...for the attics) open, but I would NOT trap, if you don't have a problem. Make sure your neighbors are taking care of the problem, but do not draw the problem to you.