If you’ve been following along on Instagram, then you know that last week was one of the longest, most uncomfortable, frustrating weeks of my life.
We had a rat infestation.
I talked about it briefly last week on my #shayeveryday2013 post, but I thought there was no better way to start a Monday than to rehash it just a bit (it’s therapeutic for me) and then hopefully, I’ll never have to say the word rat again.
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And seriously, I’ll never be able to watch one of my favorite Disney movies ever again either. Ratatouille is no longer cute in my eyes.
I started doing my #shayeveryday2013 pics on January 1st of this year because 13 is my very favorite number, and I just knew this year was going to be special (so, why not document every single day!).
Would I always remember this as the year Sean was the Bachelor? Would I remember this as the year we built our new home? Would I remember this as the year we focused on adopting Ashby?
Heck no!
I’m going to remember this as the year stupid rats invaded my rent house and nearly sent me to the loony bin!
So, this is what happened, and hopefully, if you’re ever in a similar situation (God bless your soul), you can learn from our week…
Last Saturday night, as we drove up into the rent house driveway from Oktoberfest, I actually said to Andrew that I loved our rent house so much that I would miss it when we move out. It really does feel like home now and we’re really happy in our cozy rent house. (That people, is called irony.)
Little did I know, the big cold front that was blowing in at that very second was sending rats from the gorgeous creek and wooded trails right behind our rent house into our house.
Irony.
At this point, I’d be happy to burn this joint down and walk away.
So, I’ve told you this already, but on Monday morning, a rat ran out from underneath our couch…that the kids were sitting on. I about died.
And therefore, I spent the entire week, walking around my house in shoes…
…I didn’t want to accidentally step on or kick a rat as I walked around (bless my heart!).
By Tuesday, the rats were in our walls and attic (and I found our kitchen pantry had been attacked because my food had been gotten into and rat poop was all over…you are dying, right?!?!).
So, at this point, I decided living in my car was the best option.
Because life was pretty darn miserable (and Andrew didn’t want us living in our car), we formed an attack plan…and I think it worked!
First, we set traps up all over our house and attic. Dozens of them.
Second, we lined the perimeter of our house with rat poison and cages.
Third, we placed cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil all over our house (under beds and furniture, in the pantry, in the attic, in the garage, in cabinets…everywhere!). Rats absolutely hate the smell of peppermint and flee from it.
During the day, we couldn’t hear or see anything. But at night, the rats were living in the wall upstairs behind my headboard. Yes, you try sleeping with rats have a big old party in the wall behind your head! It was miserable and Andrew and I didn’t really sleep all week.
On Thursday night, we said screw it…it’s a rent house and who cares if we don’t get our deposit back…we have to ATTACK!
This is me and the kiddos hiding on the bed while Andrew drilled little holes in our bedroom wall and shot peppermint oil up and down the walls (desperate times call for desperate measures!).
On Thursday night, we didn’t hear a single thing! The rats had left our bedroom walls! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! But then it happened…
I walked downstairs at 4:30 the next morning to get my coffee and start by day. I walked into my office and I COULD HEAR THEM IN MY OFFICE WALLS!
(This is where I totally flipped out and I’m pretty sure Andrew thought he might have to sedate me.)
Now, not only was I not going to be able to sleep, I couldn’t work because there were rats in the walls behind my desk!
Andrew (being the awesome husband that he is!) started drilling holes in my office and in the dining room walls and once again, shot peppermint oil up there.
And now, I think they’re gone.
Please Lord, let them be gone.
I asked my next door neighbor (who has lived on our street for years) if he had ever had a rat problem and he said, “No, I keep rat poison around my house all year long to keep them away. That creek is full of rats.” Thanks so much for the warning. That information would have been handy 6 months ago when we moved in.
So, what lessons have we learned from this?
1. Andrew should have been in the military. That man can track down and dominate like a Navy Seal!
2. It’s possible for me to blog and plan trips to Walt Disney World while listening to rats run around in my walls.
3. My kids totally don’t care about rats being in our house. They were pretty “whatever” about the entire thing.
4. I am ready to live in our new house. Like today. Like right now.
5. We are going to be proactive now and always keep rat poison around any home where we live. Better safe than rat infested is my new motto.
6. We are getting a cat for the new house. We’ve already decided to name it Lady Scones :).
7. Some of you shared your stories with me…and some of you have had snake infestations. That would seriously kill me. Dead. You win.
That’s all people! No more rat talk. Ever. (I pray!!!!!!)
And one more BIG thing for your Monday…
Pinterest Told Me To is Working It today! I know so many of you ladies work in an office that doesn’t allow the usual jeans and such…so, Sheaffer is showing you how to work it at work. Such a great idea!
Don’t forget Meal Planning Monday today!
Have a great day!
Danielle says
Oh my goodness, I would have died! Why didn't your landlord come and take care of it. That should have been their responsibility, right?
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
HOW IN THE WORLD can your post titled "RATS" be one of my favorite posts you've ever written? "Better safe than rat infested" is such a catchy little motto to live by! Such a good post!!!! That picture of you "living in your car" makes me laugh out loud every single time I see it!
Seriously good way to start off my Monday morning! Love you friend!
Blue-Eyed Bride says
I'm shuddering! Ugh!!! And I'm cracking up at Lady Scones name! We had squirrels chew a hole in our trim on our roof of the house we left and we didn't know until we smelled that one died in the walls of our bathroom. Seriously. We slept in the kids rooms for a week. So yucky!
Julie Rogers says
This is AWFUL—I think I may have moved out:):):)
Julie
http://www.thechirpingmoms.com
Anonymous says
I am so sorry. I wad dying when we only had one little mouse in our house. We did have a cat who found it – the tail was hanging out of its mouth and my big mouth screamed and the cat then let it go! And I was 6 months pregnant!
Tab & Erika says
Favorite Post Ever!!! I loved reading this day-to-day account of the rats!! And…you know I thoroughly enjoyed rat-infested Shay!! Can I say that I'm a little sad to see them go?
Danielle says
You poor thing! I would have been miserable but sounds like you have it all figured out now! Plus, I can't help but think that your house must smell wonderful now with all that peppermint 🙂
I had a rat experience when I was living in New York City one summer during college. I still remember standing on the couch and calling my mom because I was terrified!
Lauren & Eddie says
We're living in a rent house that I lived in several years ago when I got out of college. I had mice (I think mice, not rats) when I lived here then and I keep waiting for the weather to turn cold. Ewwwww. The house has had some major renovations since I lived here last time so hopefully it's enough to keep them out. I'm definitely going to be trying the peppermint!
Mrs. Pedersen says
OH MY WORD. So glad you found a solution! I would have probably fainted. 😉
Anonymous says
oh my Lord, Jesus…..I'm sorry for your rat problem, but I've never laughed so hard in my whole life.
The way you told the story, killed me. I was laughing so hard.
Ick, but that's some good blogging right there.
ha ha ha
Kelly in Michigan
Unknown says
My husband bought our house here in Nashville without me. Loved the house until I opened one of the drawers and found it FILLED with mouse poop. And, like you, we also had the mouse parties in the walls and they would dare each other to run out in front of us. I think they scored points by how close to my toes they'd get or how loud I'd scream. Thank golly for the exterminator and the new kitchen we're about to get. I have never used the mouse poop drawers and was running out of space!
ej
http://iamwhaleshark.weebly.com
kristinwithani says
Shay, I so felt for you last week. I had a mice infestation last November and it almost did me in. The first one I saw stared at me when I opened the garage door. A year later, I still hesitate every time I open the garage door.
By the end of the ordeal, I was waging war. I wonder if mice hate peppermint too… I need to keep that on hand.
And really, the landlord should have called an exterminator who should have come every day. Like mine did.
Amber Walker says
We don't have rats but a field mice problem. We live in the country and our house is surrounded on three sides by a field that we tend to. It alternates between corn and soybeans and on the years the field is corn, when my husband picks it, the field mice come a running!! We keep buckets (and I mean BUCKETS) of rat poison in our attic and that seems to keep them at bay. We've lived in this particular house three years and I've only seen one live one in the house and he was slow and lethargic so I'm pretty sure he had dabbled in the poison before make his appearance. The bad thing is they eat the poison and then die up there so the front of our house smells like rotting mouse carcus for most of the winter 🙁 My husband goes up there every few months and tries to clean the dead ones out. Bless his heart, he is my hero!!! Hoping your problem has been solved and hoping your contractors get BUSY on that new house so you can move in!!!
Kate at Green Fashionista says
Oh my goodness I would have moved into a hotel I don't know how you did it! Hope they're gone for good 😉
And I totally agree a snake infestation would be the end all and be all. I have the willies just thinking about it! Nothing creeps me out more than snakes and rats.
Anonymous says
Shay
Not to be mean but this was a funny post or at least how you wrote it! I will have to remember the peppermint oil as i hate putting poison out. I know rats/mice can smell when there is a cat around so it does keep them at bay.
Elaine~ Honey Pie Accessories says
I die! Did you call your landlord? We had roaches in our very first rent house. We had just moved to Louisiana, and had the cutest little house, and about two months into living there, I found the first roach. Then, several of them. One even on the top of the stove. We called the landlord and he did NOTHING! We bombed the mess out of that house, and after not being able to kill them, we moved out. It was awful. I feel your pain.
Liz/happymommy says
I am sorry to say that this was one of my favorite posts! I would have died, literally died and left my house until I knew for 100% certain that there were no rats left in my house. You are braver than me!!! I was following you on IG during this whole thing and that picture of you in your car, I die laughing when I see it. You look so NOT amused but look gorgeous at the same time!!
Patty says
As a fellow renter while our home is being built, I've had the unfortunate opportunity to also learn that cayenne pepper also works as a natural rat deterrent. It gets in their little noses like pepper spray. I've got a trail of red cayenne pepper all around the house and especially by any potential entry points and so far so good. We haven't had any further visitors but I do wonder if we look like witches with red powder sprinkled all over the outside of the house. Lol. I didn't know about the peppermint oi though!
Maureen W. (Maryland) says
1. I am so sorry you had to deal with this!
2. You still manage to make a rat infestation a good read!
3. Your house must smell really minty fresh! Guests will probably just think it's your love of the holidays 🙂
4. I give you much credit for staying and defending your home. I would have been living elsewhere until the rats were gone. Those tails are what creep me out. I shudder just thinking of them.
5. I can't wait for Lady Scones' introductory post.
It's a new week, my friend. This one can only be better! XOXO
Lacey says
Heaven help you. I've been there. We had our things in storage & when we moved back into our home, we brought a pregnant mama mouse with us. One night My husband & I were chatting in the kitchen & I walked across the hall into our laundry room & "she" decided to run right under my foot. I can still feel her fur!!!! My husband set a trap & caught her . But unfortunately she had already had her babies. Behind our dishwasher. We only learned this after running the dishwasher one evening & a baby crawling out due to the heat. Tommy busted down the cabinet wall under the sink, armed himself with kitchen gloves & caught the rest of the babies WITH HIS HANDS!!!!! Ugh Praise God for husbands. AND we paid $300 for an exterminator to spray some mess. Ps- I was 7 months preggo & had a 2 year old. HATE HATE HATE mice/rats.
Anonymous says
One hillarious post! Nice written and funny for sure 🙂 You rock, Shay!
aprilparrish says
Rats are the worst!!! Prayers they are gone and never return. I am the same way when it comes to rodents. Prayer for a better week rodent free!!! 🙂
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
I am sitting at my desk with my feet propped on a box now….just in case a rat decides to get in our office!! I would lose my mind, no doubt. You and I would be in the loonie bin together, clawing at our hair. So glad you got that under control, and I hope you feel peace in your home again!!! xo
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
Bless your heart! You deserve a medal for making it through that crazy week! I thought spider crickets were bad, but nope, you totally have us beat!
Kristen Sass says
I would flip as well! We had 2 mice in our basement this summer and that was enough for me! I would DIE if they were in the main part of our house and I heard them while I was trying to sleep. You guys are troopers! Glad its now under control!
Sabrina says
Thank goodness the rats are gone!! That is craziness that they came in and basically took over so fast! I am terrified of rodents…I would need to be sedated as well. Glad you guys got the little monsters out of the house. Now I know if I ever see one…I'm shooting that sucker with peppermint oil. Reading this post just makes me want to go ahead and spray peppermint oil everywhere lol. Just in case. Thinking of rats gives me the shivers!!!
Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says
Oh no, no, no, no, NO Shay! Yes, I would be living in the car too. Last spring, we discovered a snake had lived in our garage for the entire winter (it's skin and poop were left behind) and I about died. It was the most violating feeling in the world. Glad you have it under control now. 🙂
Anonymous says
So so so gross! I would have insisted on staying in a hotel or moving out altogether! We are currently looking for a rental for a year or so and now I'm nervous that the new house will end up with an infestation of rats or roaches or (heaven forbid!) snakes. You never quite know what you're getting into with a new house. One question: How do you keep the kids from getting into the rat poison? I have young kids and that would scare me…. even if they just touch it and don't necessarily try to eat it.
Anonymous says
I read this post early this morning. Later, My daughter and I picked up a Starbucks and headed to Target. We turned the corner and a mouse darts out in front of us. Totally thought of you as I was sweating bullets! Nothing like cutting a Target trip short! 🙁
Slightly Askew Designs says
Rat Infested Shay and Sassy Andrea are a match made in Heaven. Your account of everything on Tuesday night (and your near nervous breakdown) had me smiling all week. 🙂 RATS, PEOPLE! RATS!!!
Anonymous says
Burn the house down. It's the only sure way to get rid of them. And when you say rats, please tell me you mean mice!?
Mix and Match Mama says
I mean rats. King Rats. Over 12 inches long (including the tail). Yes. We measured a few after we caught them.
Anonymous says
Ack!!! 12 inches long!?? Everything really is bigger in Texas!!
Carrie Beth says
Oh my! We had rats in a home we lived in a few years ago, but didn't know it until one had died and we couldn't tell where the awful smell was coming from. Yuck!!! I'm so glad the problem is taken care of now for you all! We are currently building a house and it backs up to a creek…might have to plan to be proactive like you! I love your motto. 🙂
Missy McDaniel says
Oh dear-I can SOOOO sympathize!!!!!! We live in a neighborhood that is still building out and every time they start a new house near us I guess it disturbs the mice homes and we have MICE!!!!! I caught 10 in about a 2 week period a few months ago when they started a new house across the street!!! They LOVE our dog's food! I had to move it outside to the garage b/c I kept finding it in drawers in a desk by my kitchen across from the closet where we kept Daisy's food-not sure how they carried the food there! YUCK!!!!!!! Hopefully yours are GONE for good!!!!
Paula says
Aaahhhhhh, I'd die. Just die. I HATE a 3 inch mouse! HATE! But, a giant 12 inch rat? I think I would pass out! I agree….all preps are due and a must!
Candice Kelley says
i commend you for being able to stay and sleep in that house! I would of bolted the first moment I could! I live in stonebridge ranch…lets hope your "friends" dont come here!
Laura says
The cat that hangs around our house (who I credit with keeping the lizards at bay) is called Marmalade Biscuit. Lady Scones and he can be friends. 🙂
Andrea says
This is so horrific it is almost funny! It is like something out of a tv show! My boys would not have been disturbed by rats either! I, on the other hand, would drive my husband bonkers until every last one was gone. So happy for you that you can get some rest this week! 🙂
Dina says
Oh I feel for you and now I have the willies!
It sounds like you have things under control, but if you want more ammunition, you can use ultrasonic plug in things that keep pests away. Here's a link to some http://www.walmart.com/ip/Koolatron-PestContro-Ultrasonic-500-3-Pack/19629277
They have worked for us! And they aren't harmful to kids or pets. Good luck!
Kelly says
So incredibly sorry for your rat situation, but it made for an absolutely hilarious story! Hope they are gone for good. You better cook Andrew an extra special meal for all of his heroics 😉
Cate Evans says
I too, like another commenter, was hoping that you were actually mistakingly calling them rats when they were really mice…but you set the record straight…king rats!! 12 inches!! I can't…I just can't even deal. I feel stressed for you. I've had mice in my house before (and I was FREAKING!) but I just can't even handle the thought of rats. Soooo sorry!! Hope they never, ever return.
Anonymous says
Okay, I was already dying from it all, then saw where you said they were TWELVE INCHES LONG!!! And OMG I seriously got chills. Here where I am in the middle of midwest I've only ever seen a mouse. When it's harvest time, the mice come in from the field, and I live in a bean field so we get a few mice every season. But I'm talking about a teeny tiny mouse. And my cat LOVES them so she catches them before we even know it's in the house. If and when you get a cat at your new house you won't be able to put poison everywhere. It will make your kitty sick, or worse, if a mouse/rat he catches has been in the poison. But if you get a good mouser you won't need poison! Good luck, I also think I may have had to move out!!!!
Blu and Darbi says
We live in Zambia and have rats in our house all the time, so I'm totally used to it! However, a couple of months ago, I came in from church on a Sunday and threw my skirt on the floor, got into some pajama pants, and snuggled up on my bed with a good book. About 30 minutes later my husband came in and said, "WHAT is in your skirt??!!" I assured him it was the wind blowing my skirt up and swirling it around. He wasn't so sure, so he started attacking my shirt with his church dress shoe. Lo and behold…a huge spitting cobra had somehow made its way into my room and was stuck in my skirt…. So even though I am used to rats, I DO feel your pain about having unwanted creatures in your house!! 🙂
Jaren says
So how many more months for the new house to be ready?? That sounds like an awful week!
Aubrey says
Sweet baby Jesus. That is some serious yuckiness. Here's hoping that you never see another rat as long as you live!
The Rodriguez Crew says
Shay!! We have rats!! This post mad me laugh and cry bc we have yet to conquer those God awful creatures!!! We've had LONGER than 12 in one's come out of our attic. Ew ew ew. How much peppermint oil?? Do I need to order like a gallon off of Amazon!?!? Soak SPONGES and throw them like grenades up there you think?? Im doing it this WEEKEND!!!!
mel @ the larson lingo says
DYING. Nothing creeps me out more than rats. I shuddered the entire time I read this. So, so, so, sorry. UGH!!!!!!
Anonymous says
Where did you get the peppermint oil, and what kind is it? I saw 2 mice in the garage yesterday, and I have mouse-anxiety!!!
Wendi
rwcroush@aol.com
Anonymous says
I'm curious as to what kind of poison you used since you have a dog. I'm trying to find a good pet safe kind since we have seen a few rats in the backyard and I'm scared they'll try to come inside. !!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We put the poison in little rat boxes that you buy at Home Depot or Lowes. My dog is too big to get inside of there.