Spotting A Rat Infestation
There’s A Rat In The Kitchen, What Am I Going To Do?
As the UK population grows, so too does another, less welcome population. Thanks to warmer winters, and the increase of waste in our bins, it is estimated that humans are now outnumbered by the specie. Both rural and urban locations prove an adequate habitat for this type of vermin and it’s not just in the night time they come out. In short, we’re talking about the rat.
Identify A Rat Infestation
Whilst at home, if you ever notice movement in the corner of your eye, odd smells around the house or strange scratching noises, it may be in your interest to get it checked out – especially if it’s been going on for a while.
Signs of a Rat Infestation:
- Droppings – small, pellet like, dark and shiny, rat droppings may be found in food storage / preparation areas, for e.g. atop the cupboard, near the dog bowl
- Bite Marks –rats are known for their gnawing habits and may leave marks in your wooden furniture. Look out for tiny bits of wood or sawdust. Electrical cables too may get chewed as well as holes in food packaging.
- Urine Stains & Odours – this can be a pretty off-putting smell, found in a distinct spot or dribbled around.
- Grease Marks – being able to squeeze through incredibly small holes, their greasy, dirty and damp fur will leave a mark.
- Footprints – in slightly dusty or wet areas you may notice footprints or tail swipe signs. Rat’s feet are around 2 centimetres in size with a tail the thickness of a pencil.
By nature, rats are night time animals. It is unusual for rats to come out in the daytime but if you spot a rat in your home during the daytime, this could be an indication that a larger group are hungry for food, leading them to scavenge out of hours.
How to Get Rid Of The Rats:
- Pest Control Services – the easiest method will be to contact a professional pest controller. Experienced, knowledgeable and with the latest kit, a local pest control service that specialises in rodent and vermin control should be able to clear you of your rat problems in good time.
- Rat Trap – add a little chocolate or peanut butter and rats will be tempted into the trap which them kills them with a swift snap to the neck. The downside is having to tidy away the catch.
- Rat Poison – you set this down in various positions around your property and within a few weeks should be rat free. Real care should be taken with this form of rat control, where children and animals are concerned as these are harmful substances.
- Sticky Traps – these use a super sticky adhesive that will hold all rodents that walk onto it. You then free it into the wild, but there can be difficulties associated with removing the rat from the sticky trap, as well as causing distress for the animal.
- Humane Bait Boxes – these entice the rat in with a block of bait, and courtesy of how the box is designed, it allows them no means to escape. You then simply set the rat free, away from your home.
- A Cat – a traditional method but one that does work! A feline may require a little encouragement to hunt, but to them it’s a game and once started they don’t give up easily. Be warned though, cats play with their catch, possibly leaving behind an unpleasant mess.
People enjoy varying degrees of success with the methods mentioned above. It is advised to follow manufacturer instructions closely for your safety and success.
The easiest and most efficient way to deal with Rats is to use a professional Pest Control Company. Most companies that deal with Rat & Mice Pest Control are well versed with these situations and can offer a range of advice and Pest Control services.
