Droppings
Droppings are dark brown or black and have a cylindrical shape
Call us for a quote on +448081631487
Rats: A Guide to Understanding and Controlling Infestations
Rats are a common pest in the UK, and they can pose a serious threat to your health and property. Understanding the risks associated with rats and taking proactive steps for prevention and control are crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment
The Risks of Rat Infestations
Rats can cause significant damage to your property by constantly gnawing on various materials, including floor joists, pipes, insulation, and electrical wiring. They also contaminate food and spread diseases through their urine and droppings. Some of the diseases rats transmit include Weil's disease, Rat bite fever, and Salmonellosis.
Signs of a Rat Infestation:
Rats are most active during the night therefore it is often easier to spot the signs of a rat infestation than the actual rat. Below we have explained some signs that could indicate that you have a potential rat problem.
Gnaw marks
Rats have sharp incisor teeth that can leave marks on wood, plastic, and even metal.
Tracks
Rats often leave tracks in dusty areas, which can be identified by their tail marks.
Burrows
Rats may dig burrows in the ground, especially near or beneath solid structures.
Noises
Rats are often active at night and can be heard scratching, gnawing, or moving around.
Rats Nest
Rats will shred available materials such as loft insulation, cardboard and other soft items to make nests.
Effective Rat Control for Your Home
There are several methods for controlling rat infestations in your home, including:
-
Traps - Snap traps and live traps are effective for catching individual rats.
-
Bait stations - These stations contain rodenticide, a poison that kills rats. It is important to place bait stations in areas inaccessible to children and pets.
-
Rat-proofing - Flexi Armour - This involves sealing up any holes or cracks in your home's exterior to prevent rats from entering.
-
Hygiene - Keeping your home clean and free of food debris can help deter rats.
Difference Between a Rat and a Mouse
Effective Rodent Control Starts with Knowing the Difference.
Protecting Your Business from Rats
For businesses, rat infestations can lead to severe consequences, including:
-
Reputational damage - A rat infestation can damage your business's reputation and lead to customer complaints.
-
Financial loss - Infestations can cause product recalls, loss of contracts, and even business closure.
-
Legal issues - Failure to comply with pest control legislation can result in fines or other penalties.
Rentokil's Rat Control Solutions for Businesses
Rentokil offers a range of rat control solutions specifically designed for businesses, including:
-
PestConnect: This innovative system uses connected devices to monitor and control rat activity 24/7, providing real-time alerts and reporting.
AutoGate: These bait stations are professionally managed by Rentokil and offer a safe and effective way to control rats in sensitive areas.
Site inspections: Rentokil technicians conduct comprehensive site inspections to identify the source of the infestation, breeding sites, and the level of infestation.
Tailored solutions: Rentokil offers customized rat control solutions to meet the specific needs of your business.
Proactive Rat Prevention Tips
Preventing rat infestations requires a proactive approach. Here are some tips to help you keep rats away from your property:
- Keep foodstuffs in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Tidy inside the house and around the garden - less clutter means fewer places for rats to hide.
- Place outdoor rubbish bags in metal bins with securely fitted lids.
- Clean up pet food and bird seed debris and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids.
- Keep gardens free from debris and avoid putting organic food waste in compost heaps.
- Seal up any holes or cracks in your home's exterior.
Remember, early detection and professional help are essential for effective rat control.
Rat Proofing to Prevent Infestations
Discovering rats in your home or business can be very distressing. Luckily, there are ways you can deter rats and prevent an infestation.
Rats need easy and consistent access to food and water sources to survive. By proofing your home or business to deny pests entry and removing access to food and water, you can make a real difference in preventing an infestation.
Here are some practical tips for rat proofing:
-
Keep foodstuffs in metal or glass containers with tight-fitting lids - This prevents rats from accessing food and contaminating it with their urine and droppings.
-
Tidy inside the house and around the garden - Less clutter means fewer places for rats to hide and build their nests.
-
Place outdoor rubbish bags in metal bins with securely fitted lids: - This prevents rats from feeding on food waste and other organic matter.
-
Clean up pet food and bird seed debris - Store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level, to prevent rats from accessing it.
-
Keep gardens free from debris - If you have a compost heap, don't include organic food waste, as this will attract rats.
Introducing Rentokil's Advanced Rodent Proofing Solutions - Flexi Armour
Rentokil's Flexi Armour range offers innovative and comprehensive rodent proofing solutions designed to effectively prevent mice and rats from entering your property. This sustainable and long-lasting approach not only safeguards your premises from infestations but also supports UK legislation around food safety, health & safety, and CRRU regulations. By effectively sealing all potential entry points, Flexi Armour minimises the need for rodenticides, providing a safe and environmentally friendly solution for your home or business.
Versatile Applications and Robust Materials
Flexi Armour provides a variety of solutions tailored to different areas of your property. Whether it's dock levellers, expansion joints, or weep vents, Flexi Armour offers a versatile range of materials to suit your specific needs. From breathable stainless steel knitted mesh for internal applications to highly corrosion-resistant ground covering mesh for external use, Flexi Armour ensures durable and impenetrable barriers against rodents.
Understanding Rat Behaviour:
Rats are nimble and versatile creatures that can exploit any opportunity to enter your home or business.
- Black rats are excellent climbers and often gain access to buildings through the roof or at height.
- Brown rats prefer to burrow and build their nests underground, particularly near or beneath solid structures like sheds, garages, and walls. They are also adept at swimming in sewers and drain systems, making the most of any damaged pipework.
Both species can gnaw at gaps to enlarge them enough for easy entry. Our range of effective sewer rat drain solutions monitors for and protects against rodent activity within your drains before they can cause extensive damage to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What causes rats to come into your house?
There are a few reasons why rats come into the home causing an infestation. The main reason is to seek shelter for nesting anything that is soft and warm can be used, including old clothing, mattresses, insulation and other soft materials. However infestations occur when your home has structural damage from cracks and crevices (including plumbing problems) as rats are nimble climbers which allows access to your home. Food being left out or not disposed of properly. Cleaning around your property and removing waste discourages rats around your premises.
-
Do rats smell?
Yes, whilst a single rat may not produce a strong odour themselves, rat infestation will definitely provide you with a heavy scent that is distinguishable off ammonia.
-
Can you just have one rat in your house?
No, it is very unlikely there will be only one rat in your home or property. Rats are very social creatures, they breed very quickly and will remain where they can access food and shelter therefore it is unlikely there will be only one rat in your home.
-
Do rats return to the same nest?
If rats have access to warmth, access to a food source and materials for building a nest such as newspapers, old sheets/clothing, towels, mattresses or any soft materials they will remain at the same nest. Removing these sources of food and nesting materials from rats will help in them moving onto a new nesting site.
-
Where do rats hide during the day?
Rats are nocturnal by nature and more active during the night. Rats have the ability to compress their bodies allowing them to squeeze through impossibly small creative holes. They are good at hiding during the day under floor boards, within cavity walls, lofts, void cavities or in tight spaces.
-
How do you get rid of rats without poison or traps?
Other than traditional traps, there are bait stations with the bait, or rodenticide, which are safe to use even in areas where there are children and pets.
-
What are the types of rat killers?
Our qualified, licensed and highly trained technicians use a range of different methods and rodenticides when controlling rats. Professional rodenticides are not available over the counter, only certified pest controllers are allowed to administer these under strict guidelines and regulations.
-
Should I get a professional rat removal?
Professional rat removal is the quickest and most effective way to get rid of rats. Expert services offer a safe and reliable way to get rid of rats.
Next Steps
Find your local branch
Please try again...Rat Control
Rat Control Solutions for Business