Rats ruining your day?

How to recognise a rat infestation

  • The common brown rat is dark brown in colour with a grey underneath between 350 and 450mm long from nose to tail.
  • You are most likely to see a rat, or it's dropping. Rat droppings are 12mm in length and tapered.
  • Rats need to gnaw even when not eating to keep their teeth sharp and worn. Sometimes gnaw marks can be seen or gnawing itself heard.
  • Rats leave runs, as they tend to follow the same route when travelling. This can be seen as trails through the grass or vegetation, and foot and tail prints through dust or mud.
  • Rats inhabit nests or burrows, which are tunnels 7 – 12cm in diameter which are often dug under tree roots or sheds and also into compost heaps.

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What harm do they do?

  • Rats carry diseases such as salmonellosis and Weils' disease, as well as other microbial infections. When they gain entry into your home they can spread these diseases.
  • Rats often attack food supplies, ruining cupboards full of food through contamination and gnawing. It is estimated that 5% of food worldwide is lost through rodent activity.
  • Gnawing can also destroy costly pipes and insulation, as well as creating a fire risk through damaged electrics.

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Keeping rats out

Rats live in any situation that provides food, shelter and water.

They can commonly be found in sewer systems and gardens, but also live in lofts, wall cavities and under floorboards.

They are highly adaptable and mobile, so no property is completely safe from invasion, though there are ways to reduce the chances of your home being invaded:

  • Maintain a tidy garden, keeping possible shelter to rats to a minimum. Try to keep compost heaps in good order, sheds secure and cut back overgrown areas.
  • Maintain your taps and pipes to reduce water in your garden, also checking any sewer covers are fitted tightly and in place.
  • Do not leave rubbish where rodents can get at it. A locked shed or sealed bin are recommended.
  • Also make sure that any foods left for other pets or animals (e.g. bird feeders) are unreachable by rats, which are highly agile.

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Getting rid of rats

If you suspect a rat infestation has occurred in your property, contact us as we provide a domestic pest contol service.

Treating the infestation is free for residents in the Borough. The pest technician will survey the area and make follow up visits to make sure the rats are eliminated.

You may wish to take steps to discourage rats yourself. You can buy traps and poison from your hardware shop.

Always seek advice if you are not confident with poison or traps. Always read the instructions before using any pest control device or poison.