DOMESTIC RODENT CONTROL
Although the UK is home to over six varieties of mouse, the greatest damage by far is caused by the most common – the ‘House Mouse’. Small in size 3-10cm, it has grey-brown fur which is slightly lighter in colour underneath.
RAT PROBLEM?
Call us immediately. Rat parasites and fleas are vectors to a host of infectious diseases. If you see a rat, contact us right away. We’ll assess the problem and offer you a free quote
Mice
Mice cause damage by chewing electrical cables, food stuffs, packaging, raw materials and boxed goods, spreading disease, and breeding wherever they populate. Mice have a gestation period of as little as three weeks, with litters reaching 16, the young in turn reach sexual maturity in as little as six weeks. A female mouse can have five to ten litters per year. It is estimated that if two mice were left in a building with a food source for one year their population would grow to 2000. Rodents spread diseases such as tuberculosis, salmonella, gastro- enteritis, leptospirosis and many others, all of which have very serious health implications. Their droppings and fur will also contaminate food preparation surfaces and foodstuffs. Rodents are incontinent and consequently foul wherever they travel.
Many insurance companies no longer insure against damage caused by rodents, it is important that they are excluded from homes and premises using the latest rodent control techniques before they cause damage. A survey by a trained Pest Control Professional is required, and a suitable treatment programme put in place. Plastic tamper-resistant bait stations will be placed in numerous locations throughout the infested areas. Mice are omnivores, feeding little and often. Research and experience dictates effective control can only be reached by intense baiting, often linked with proofing measures, to prevent further ingress.
Rats
The brown rat, also known as the sewer rat, is the most commonly found rat within the UK. This Rodent Pest breeds throughout the year with remarkable success. The gestation period lasts for up to 21 days, and the young rat reaches sexual maturity at 8-12 weeks, able to have in the region of 6 litters per year with a litter size of up to eight baby rats.
Rats have been known to run 100 metres in less than 10 seconds, jump spans of up to six feet and swim continuously for 72 hours. You are never more than six feet away from this pest.
Control: The correct treatment against Rats is important in Professional Pest Control. Location and areas that rats frequent are food and water sources, entry points and likely size of infestation all need to be identified, followed by the implementation of an appropriate rodent baiting programme.
Rodenticides are placed within bait stations to entice rats to feed in areas they perceive to be safe locations.
Baiting is to be linked with proofing measures such as bristle strip and other entry blocking. Extra care must be taken to avoid children and pets being exposed to rodenticides.
