There´s a stealthy battalion that moves through the shadows, making an elusive adversary. Sewer rats, (also known as brown rats or Norway rats exploit our out-of-sight maze of public sewers) are more common than many realise. They slip unnoticed into buildings through damaged drains and pipework, wreaking havoc on infrastructures. If you’ve ever found yourself fighting what feels like an invisible enemy, you’re not alone. The hidden network of sewer rats is a growing issue, but there are effective solutions to protect your property before it’s too late.
A dark underground world: The rat’s sewer paradise
Beneath the hustle and bustle of daily life, sewer rats thrive in an environment perfect for their needs. But why are rats in sewers so common? The answer lies in their evolutionary advantages.
As mostly nocturnal creatures, rats have developed an exceptionally acute sense of touch to compensate for their poor vision. Their vibrissae (whiskers) are extremely sensitive and constantly check their surroundings, detecting movement vibrations and the texture of surfaces. As these whiskers bend, they help the rat’s brains to construct detailed mental maps, so these creatures thrive in dark subterranean environments like sewers and drainage systems.
Norway rats and other rodents possess a heightened sensory ability, kinesthesis. This allows them to remember exactly and replicate specific movement patterns within their terrain, repeatedly without relying on sight. Say a Norway rat covers a familiar route consisting of a certain number of steps along a sewer, a turn right at one junction, left at another, followed by a leap onto a shelf, and then so many steps to a drain opening. This precise sequence of movements is ingrained in the rat’s kinesthetic memory, giving consistent navigation, even in the dark. This ability enables rats to efficiently navigate their environment and rapidly escape (if needed) using routes mapped into their memory.
Like a silent shadow slipping through the darkness, covertly manoeuvring without detection, rats also use their remarkable flexibility to squeeze through the tiniest cracks in damaged or defective pipes and drains, making the most of their sewer habitat.
Why do rats live in sewers?
For brown rats, the sewers are a paradise, offering a constant food source, water, shelter, and a favourable environment to nest and breed safely from predation.
- Food & Water: Sewer systems contain a plentiful supply of organic matter, including discarded food scraps, faecal waste, and decaying debris, at the bottom and sides of pipes. As well as daily access to water. This readily available source of food and water attracts and sustains rat populations.
- Shelter & Breeding: The intricate network of tunnels and pipes within sewers and drains provides rats with safe and secure breeding sites, away from predators. Disused sections of pipework that are dry make ideal nesting sites.
- Advantageous Environment: The warm, moist conditions within sewers (sometimes 5 degrees or so warmer than the outside air temperature) create a perfect sheltered habitat for rats.
How brown rats can make their way into your property
Have you ever wondered how sewer rats get into your house? The journey begins deep within public sewers. Brown rats’ ability to traverse these network of sewer tunnels allows them to potentially get into your drains, from the main sewage system that leads to your property and infest the drainage network under your property.
These creatures can enter by exploiting defects like cracked or collapsed pipework. With their flexible vertebrae and sharp teeth, they can gnaw through pipe joints and fit into the smallest of spaces, from underfloor voids to cracks in maintenance chambers. Rodents will exploit any weakness to infiltrate your premises. It’s not uncommon for rats to emerge from uncapped pipes left behind after plumbing work or from older clay pipes that have begun to crack and deteriorate. Rats don’t just stop at your drains. Once inside, they’re capable of causing significant structural damage.
If this sounds like something out of a nightmare, it’s not far from reality. The average Norwegian brown rat is persistent, creating problems from building damage through gnawing, to the potential for health hazards as they carry diseases, parasites, and bacteria.
How do you know if rats are in your drains?
So, how do you know if you’ve got a problem with rats from the sewers? Several signs can indicate an infestation in your drains. Listen for scratching or scurrying noises from your walls or beneath your floors. Rats are nocturnal, so these noises are most likely to occur at night. Additionally, check for droppings near water sources, as rats are drawn to moist environments.
Persistent blockages in your drainage system may also signal an infestation. Rats gnawing at pipes can lead to leaks and blockages that disrupt your drainage. It may be time to investigate if you’ve noticed water not draining properly.
The Solution: Protecting your property from sewer rats
Facing an infestation of rats in sewers is daunting, but there are ways to protect your premises. At Rentokil, we offer several robust solutions designed to monitor and control rat activity before it becomes a larger issue. Our specialised services for sewer rat infestations include:
- CCTV drain surveys
- Rat drain monitoring & baiting
- Installation of non-return rat drain valves
CCTV drain surveys for early detection
Our CCTV rat drain surveys allow us to explore your drainage system and pinpoint potential entry points for brown rats. Using advanced technology, we can identify where these rodents may be infiltrating your drains, whether through cracked pipes or collapsed sections. Early detection is crucial; by catching the problem early, we can implement solutions before rats have the chance to cause severe damage.
Rat drain monitoring & baiting service
Our rat drain monitoring and baiting service is designed to monitor and control rodent populations within your drainage system. Tethered bait stations strategically placed within your drains allow us to track any rat activity. If rats are detected in your drains, our targeted baiting solution can reduce their population and prevent them from gaining access to your property.
Non-return rat drain valve installation
Prevention is always better than cure. Installing a non-return rat drain valve can create a physical barrier to keep rats out of your drains for good. These valves allow water and waste to flow out but prevent anything from flowing back in, including rodents. This simple yet effective measure can protect your drainage infrastructure and save you from costly repairs in the future.
What to do if you suspect a rat infestation
If you suspect you have a rat problem, acting quickly is essential. Not only do they pose a health risk, but the damage they can cause can be extensive. Rats may be lurking in the sewers beneath the surface, but with the right solutions, they no longer have to be a hidden threat. Fortunately, with Rentokil’s expert solutions, you can stop them in their tracks before they wreak havoc on your infrastructure.