Rats

The weather is turning, and so are the rats. They climbed the tree outside our bedroom window and managed to find a hole big enough to squeeze into our attic. For a long time, I convinced myself the noise at night was tree limbs scratching the bedroom window. But the noise got louder and more persistent, until it included running and scratching. No doubt about it. Rats. The Vector Control Officer for Orinda came and said, "Rats." He repeated something I had heard before, which was that rats can pass through incredibly small holes. Apparently the did in this case. Vicki and I put rat poison in the attack, which means we run the risk of their dying up there and stinking the place up. It is a risk we are willing to take. They are ruining our sleep. If we run the attic fan, it scares them out, but they return as soon as it is turned off. I can sleep through the attic fan, Vicki cannot. We put in electronic rat scaring devices, despite the fact that the Vector Control Office told us they don't work. They can't hurt, right?  I will keep you posted on our vermin situation. Feel free to write and tell me about yours.