The Fearless(?) Pest Controller

Around my house I am known as the insect killer and am called upon to perform my duty whenever it arises. Should the kids (or my husband) see a spider, pincher bug, fly, or anything else for that matter, I am called upon to take care of business. I was a professional at one time so it makes sense. I spent one whole summer killing bugs for a living as a pest control technician. Yes, it was technical! I don't fear bugs, I don't like them, but they are not the source of my nightmares. That said, I am not fearless of all pests. In fact, I am unnecessarily terrified of rodents. I'm not sure how this came to be. The only thing I can figure is that way back in the 4th grade my family was living in a house with a few open fields around the development. We tended to get a few stray field mice roaming through the garage from time to time. On one occasion I stepped on one as he scurried underfoot. I screamed and ran. It squealed but didn't move anywhere fast - I think I broke it's back. Since then, I am like the elephant portrayed in the cartoons jumping on the tiny stools or whatever is nearby whenever a rodent is in the area. There is nothing worse to me. I have felt so blessed living in a home without a rodent problem - not that this is common everywhere - but I can count my blessings right? When I clean out cupboards and tucked away areas, I am always grateful not to find droppings of any sort. It has given me much peace. Thursday that peace was shattered. As I cruised barefoot through the beautiful and lush grass in my backyard, I was stopped suddenly by the sight of a small ball of gray fur. Upon closer and timid inspection, I found it was a dead rat....yes, a rat! Now, if Todd would not have been home, I would've been able to suck it up, get the shovel myself, and take care of business...but really, it makes my stomach turn and I fear being anywhere near that thing dead or alive. So I was ever so grateful he was around to take care of this incident. I went to bed, shaken that I had found one in my yard. I'm not fooling myself - I know they are out there but I like to pretend they can't penetrate through the fence. But I was still grateful I didn't find it in the house.

So, today, I was once again cruising around my backyard, still barefoot, but a bit timid so I was walking along the cement border that separates the grass from the planter around the perimeter of the yard and what do I spy? Of course, my worst nightmare...yet again. This one dead too and laying in the dirt. Ok, I have to ask. What is killing these rats and why in my yard? Now, I don't prefer them alive...really I prefer they be nowhere near here. Is it just a matter of time until I find one in my garage? What about my house? The day this happens...you will most definitely hear the frantic scream from your house. Oh how I loathe rodents!

Ah yes! Just a little image nuggett for your enjoyment! I'm cringing just looking at it right now and Todd looks a bit too happy. I think he was truly enjoying himself watching me break out into a cold sweat taking the picture.