Oh Rats!
Common throughout California, yet rarely mentioned in real estate sections, rodent pests are usually discussed only in hushed tones. Despite the fact that many people are in denial, these scurrying creatures are permanent denizens of even our nicest, priciest neighborhoods, including Piedmont and Orinda.
A respected, experienced local home inspector told me that 80 per cent of the homes he inspects show evidence of rodent activity in the basement, crawl space or attic. A majority of homeowners and buyers with whom I speak, however, are surprised to learn of the issue. They are not able to identify the three most common rodents, nor do they know how to deal with them.
Mice and rats evoke a variety of negative responses, from annoyance to fear and loathing. You may think, or hope, you will never come in contact with one of these pests, but think again. Since they are so widely found, it is important to at least be aware of some basic information about them.
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