The most common type of rat found in the UK is the Norway rat also known as the brown rat. It is widely distributed in both rural and urban areas and finds its way indoors via drainage defects, gaps in walls and any other building weakness. It is a species often associated with the sewer system hence its other name the sewer rat. This very successful rodent lives in close proximity to us humans as we provide it with the food, water and shelter that it needs.
The Norway rat is a large public health threat because they are susceptible to and carry a wide range of diseases. Living in the places that they do, they carry disease and pathogens into our homes and businesses.
Rat infestation leaves us exposed to Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis), Salmonellosis, Lyme disease and many other bacteria and pathogens.
Like other rodents the rats front teeth are constantly growing. To combat this they must gnaw in order to wear them down. Unfortunately, what this means in our homes is gnawed through pipes, chewed electrical cables and eaten joist and woodwork. This equates to floods, fires and structural weaknesses in the most extreme cases.
In order to deal with this all too common pest we adopt a strategy known as Integrated Pest Management. What this means is that our first priority is to establish the reason that the rat is present i.e. food sources etc., we then deal with the problem of removing the pest and finally suggest ways in which the customer can prevent infestations in the future e.g. proofing the building against rodent ingress.
Common signs that rats may be living with you
- Gnawed possessions or building materials
- Droppings are a good indicator of a rat problem and are often found together in one area, they are about the size of a grain of rice or larger.
- Scratching sounds or scurrying under floorboards.
- Holes next to decking or sheds.
How to deter rats from your property
- Make sure that all sources of food are in sealed containers and that all spills and dropped food are cleaned up.
- Make sure all access points e.g. around pipework, by doors and windows, through air bricks and defects in brickwork are sealed.
- Empty bins and waste regularly and do not provide harbourage for rodents on your property.
Rats breed extremely quickly and a small number can quickly grow into a large infestation, meaning it makes sense if you spot any of the signs above to deal with the problem as soon as possible.
Mice
The house mouse has lived alongside man for centuries spreading disease and causing damage to homes and businesses. One mouse urinates up to 90 times per day!
It has been found that 80% of mice carry Weil’s disease, they’re also large carriers of other diseases and pathogens such as Salmonellosis and Lyme disease. They also often carry fleas and ticks to pass on to humans and our domestic pets.
Mice are small and can fit through the smallest of gaps, a 5mm opening is all a mouse needs to make its way into your home. They are very good climbers and able to climb vertical walls with ease.
Like other rodents the front teeth of mice are constantly growing. To combat this they must gnaw in order to wear them down. Unfortunately, what this means in our homes is gnawed through pipes, chewed electrical cables and eaten joist and woodwork. This equates to floods, fires and structural weaknesses in the most extreme cases.
Common signs that a mouse may be living with you!
- Droppings are a good indicator these are brown in colour and smaller than a grain of rice, they excrete them liberally as they move around.
- Signs of gnawing and chewed material for nesting.
- Mice are sporadic feeders which means they like to eat from lots of different locations so evidence can be wide spread throughout your home.
How to deter mice from your property
- Mice need very small amounts of food in order to survive, good housekeeping is key here, cleaning up any spills, dropped food etc.
- Keep food in sealed containers and try not to leave anything out on surfaces.
- Proofing can be difficult but not impossible just remember that a mouse only needs a gap the size of a 5 pence coin.
Frequently asked questions – rats and mice
Will the problem go away on its own?
In short, no. Due to the nature of rodents they are extremely successful creatures and breed at an alarming rate. The sooner you address the problem the better.
How long will it take to get rid of the infestation?
This is a tough one, but on average, in a domestic setting you can expect control within 4 – 6 weeks.
Can I purchase rat poison from you?
This gets asked more than you might imagine. The products we use are professional grade rodenticides and our operatives are trained in their correct use. Under no circumstances would we supply any professional products to the public.
How much will the treatment cost?
In a domestic setting the average mouse or rat treatment costs approximately £120.
What to expect on the day we visit
Our technician will arrive in an unmarked vehicle and be discreet and professional in his operations.
We will carry out a full survey of the property, identify the pests you have, how to deal with them and how to prevent any future problems.