The common or brown rat, are far more active burrowers than the mouse or black rat, their burrows
have several functions, It acts as a place to have young, to rest in the daytime and to escape predators. Rats and mice are both quick to exploit cavities in walls, roof spaces and ducts of buildings. Brown rats tend to tunnel in hedgerows, embankments, outside of buildings and other similar situations; If at all possible rats prefer to live near to sources of both food and water.
Rats can breed even more efficiently than rabbits; they are sexually mature at about 8 to 12 weeks and have a gestation period of about 21 to 24 days with an average litter size of between 6 and 11 the weaning period is 3-4 weeks.
Signs to look for
- Characteristic stale odours, ammonia like smell in confined areas
- Sighting of rats
- Droppings
- Tunnels or burrows
- If you see activity in the day it is a good indication that a large infestation may be present
- Scratching coming from walls, loft spaces, beneath floors or decking
- Droppings and teeth marks on food packaging.
Rats can gnaw through wood, plastics and even mild steel. They have also been known to cause fires by chewing through electrical wiring.
How can Rats affect our home or business?
Many people find the mere presence of rats in their immediate surroundings to be totally unacceptable, rodents whether seen, heard or smelled can be very distressing causing abhorrence and even fear to some, this fact alone can justify the need to control.
Other reasons to consider are:
- Risk of disease- weils disease, salmonellosis and plague, they are also prolific carriers of parasitic insects, worms and a number of diseases that can be transmitted to animals
- Damage to property and stock
- Damage to structures by gnawing
- Risk of reputation if found in or near to business premises
- Risk of prosecution or closure to business if not controlled and managed
How do we control rats and Rodents?
There are a number of factors to be considered before attempting to control a rat or rodent infestation, it is essential to know exactly what needs to be done.
For example:
- Species causing the problem
- Extent of the infestation, horizontally and vertically
- Size of infestation – light, moderate or heavy
- Food and water sources
- Harbourages
- Non target hazards such as children pets and wildlife
- Adverse effects of potent rodenticides in the environment
If you have a rat or rodent infestation, then call us to arrange a free survey and quotation to deal with the problem quickly and efficiently.
Why MBC Bird and Pest Solutions?
Firstly our BPCA qualified technicians know exactly what to look for and can quickly ascertain the best course of treatment for each individual situation. We offer bespoke pest control and rodent management packages for residential and business premises, either on contract or individual treatments, to suit your needs.
Contact us NOW on 01202 604011 0r 07968 052219, by Email or complete the “Quick Contact” form in the footer and we will call you straight back