Rats! continued

When we called the landlord about the rats, we said that a Pest Control Company would again need to come to our home.

She said we should get a cat.

After much wrangling between her and our agent, and then much wrangling between our agent and the Pest Control Company, a technician will arrive at our home at 1:00 this afternoon.

My understanding is that sticky traps are the most common form of mouse and rat control in China. This is where they lay out a very sticky piece of paper. When the rat steps on it, he can not remove his foot from the paper. My further understanding is that when the rat begins to panic, he may tear himself apart in fright.

I am not looking forward to such a greeting tomorrow morning.

Upon further research, I've learned that sticky traps are generally thought to be inhumane in the west. It can take a long time for the mouse to die, and our household will be forced to listen to the sad cries and struggles all night.

I told Wendy that maybe we will just leave town this weekend, stay in a hotel, and return on Monday... after she has already arrived.

She says I am weak.