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Rats

Rats are some of the most serious rodent pests in the world. They can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis and campylobacter and cause structural damage to buildings by gnawing and burrowing.

Rat nest

The most common rat found in the UK is the brown or Norway rat (Rattus novegicus). The brown rat is generally brownish-grey in colour, with a paler greyish belly. An adult may weigh on average 340g.

The brown rat is a burrowing animal, and will live indoors, outdoors and in sewers. When brown rats are found in buildings it is usually due to holes in the fabric of the building and/or defective drainage. Rats will also emerge from any unblocked sewer, which includes dry toilet bowls.

The water vole, can sometimes be mistaken for the brown rat, particularly near canal or river banks. The water vole is a protected species.

Identification

  1. Sightings of live rats.
  2. Common rat droppings are usually 12mm long and taper at both ends.
  3. Runs - rats follow the same routes when travelling, and leave trails through the grass and low vegetation.
  4. Footprints and tail swipes - on muddy or dusty surfaces.
  5. Smears - dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeated contact with rat fur.
  6. Burrows - entrance holes 7 - 120mm in diameter in grassy banks, under tree roots, at the edge of paving or drain cover surrounds.
  7. Nests - sometimes found indoors, in lofts or under floorboards.
  8. Gnawing - rats gnaw continually, even on non- food materials, in order to wear down their front teeth.
  9. Musky Smell from the urine. 

How to prevent Infestations

  1. Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, and by cutting back overgrown areas.
  2. Do not feed wild birds or other animals to excess - you may be feeding the rats as well!
  3. Keep your home in good repair so that rats cannot gain access to it, by sealing gaps under doors, sealing holes in brickwork. Ensure that the drain inspection covers are in place and are in good repair. Holes should be sealed with a hard, gnaw resistant material.
  4. Do not leave household waste where rats can get at it.

Treatment 

  1. Treatment involves assessing the extent of the problem, laying baits or traps as necessary, checking the baits or traps regularly and removing the material at the end of the treatment.
  2. Sometimes more than one treatment will be required to ensure control.

Please note:  There is a charge for treatments in commercial and domestic premises.

Charges

Domestic Properties - treatment of rats is £60.00 pounds (including VAT)

Commercial Properties - treatments of rats is £155.00 per hour (including VAT)

On some occasions after treatment a smell may be noticeable from the decomposition of the dead body. The smell from a decomposing body should last for about a week and although unpleasant, is not harmful to health.

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