Professional Pest Control for Rats

Rat Pest Control

What effects has lockdown had on rats?

Lockdown has been confusing for all of us, not knowing what the new normal will be? Well, it's no difference between rats and other pests! Rats have had to change their environment and habitat that we have given them for years.

With restaurants and hotels shut, rats' food and water sources are no longer where it would normally be. Therefore rat populations have moved and now rats live in private properties like yours. This is not something that you have caused, unless you keep chickens or feed birds I’ll cover these areas a bit later.

Rat Infestation - How do they get in?

Sewers

• Yes, rats do and will swim up your toilet! Sewers are an entry point for rats and one of the most common areas rats will enter via old pipework not sealed off. Or they may enter through clay pipes that are cracked or broken or manholes with defects. This is one area that without specialist equipment you may not be able to see what’s going on.

Gaps and air bricks

• Rats and mice can squeeze through very small gaps. Any damage to the outer brickwork will allow rats to gain entry to your cavity wall even with high-quality traditional insulation or spray foam insulation. Even if you have wall insulation materials, rats will gain access to the roof in any way they can. The gaps can be sealed with the property grills or cement and mortar.‍

Leaving the back door open

• When the weather is warm and muggy, we all leave the patio door open or have a door open to get a breeze into the house. Rats are inquisitive and they will enter a door just to have a look.‍

Look what the cat brought in!

• Cats are natural hunters and will bring rats to your home. Sometimes though they may leave you a present that isn’t as dead as it appears. Rats may also feast on pet food.

Nightmare neighbours!

• Sometimes it’s not your fault if you are in a semi-detached or terraced property - the rats may not be coming in from you. It could be a neighbour or further down the terrace. If this is the case when it comes to rat problems, then unfortunately a difficult conversation may ensue. A professional pest controller can help with this process.

Bird feeders and chickens

• Bird feeders are great for birds to enjoy. However, for rats, it’s like a fast-food restaurant! Unfortunately, birds don’t clean up after themselves and will leave debris over the garden and lawn this is perfect for rats to graze on.
• Chickens are again natural grazers the scratch and peck at the floors or the feeders. Rats will nest under the coups and no matter what you do rats will get in.

How to get rid of rats...

This information is not to scare you but to inform you. You can buy lots of different poison, traps, and bait stations from the internet, but please use them with caution! Poison is indiscriminate if you use it incorrectly.

I know during these unprecedented times, people's jobs are uncertain and we are facing a recession but a professional pest control company will possibly end up saving you money. If you still wish to go it alone please ask for advice - most companies will try and help if they can. We provide effective rat control for your home or business. Please give us a call to discuss your pest problem on telephone number 0800 0418 405 and we will be happy to provide you with further advice.