Pest Services

Share

Areas Covered

• England
• Wales
• Ireland
• North Ireland
• Scotland

About Rats

Why are Rats an important Pest to deal with?

Rats are large rodents which typically have brownish fur on their back and are grey underneath. The colour of a rat can vary from white through to black. The adult body length of a rat measures between 200 – 270 mm with a tail length measuring between 150 – 200 mm. Rats are omnivores which means that they practically consume almost everything in sight.

In general, rats will live in any situation that provides food, water and shelter. Almost all species of rat can be found in urban and rural areas. In homes you will find rats living in loft spaces, in wall cavities in basements and under the floorboards. In gardens, rats will burrow into compost heaps, under sheds and in grassy banks. Rats can also be commonly found living in sewer systems.

The favourite food of rats are cereal products and dry food, although they will eat almost anything that humans eat. Typically, rats will pretty much gnaw at any food that is available to them. Rats can cause considerable damage to food products by gnawing at the packing and ripping open packets. Rats will also frequently foul food with their urine and droppings.

Why is it important to deal with Rats?

The reason why rats should be contained and dealt with is that they can transmit many diseases to humans. These diseases include Salmonellosis (food poisioning) and Weils disease.

Rats will eat or contaminate food intended for humans. It is estimated that up to 5% of food produced world-wide is lost due to a result of rodent activity in the food. Rats can cause considerable damage to buildings and other structures by gnawing and burrowing into them.

From a pest control perspective there are many tell-tale signs of finding a rat infestation.

Signs of a rat infestation can include the presence of droppings, rat footprints and burrow marks. Indication of a rat infestation can include signs of gnawing on food products around the house and scratching noises made by rats.

How to get rid of rats?

As a species, rats are very adaptable, breed rapidly, highly mobile, and are very resilient. This combination makes rat control a difficult task for the untrained individual to counter attack. However, by ensuring that you keep your home in a clean and tidy manner and that all food is stored in a secure area can reduce the risk of having a rat infestation. This is an ideal starting place to control your rodent problems.

In order to survive and thrive, rats must have adequate food and shelter. By removing food and shelter from rats will prevent and control your rodent problems. As ever it is is important to include controlling by the inside and outside of your home to ensure effective sanitation efforts are made.

If you would like more information about how to deal with Rat infestations feel free to contact one of pest control specialists.

All you need to do is contact 365 Pest Control Services and leave the rest in the experienced hands of 365 Pest Control group.