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The predominant species of Rat in urban areas of the UK is the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus). It is often commonly referred to as a Norway or Sewer Rat. Rats are intelligent, adaptable and tenacious - once they have gained access to a property and found shelter or food they will do whatever they can to get back to that place. The same is the case for new generations of rats who will follow the pheromones (scent) of previous rats. Rats are very active in sewers and drains, primarily this is their feeding ground. What the sewer does not provide is warmth, shelter and nesting locations and this is where properties play an important role for rats. About 80% of rat issues we deal with relate in some way to an entry point from the sewer system via the residential drain. Other ways rats can enter premises are via broken vents or holes around the perimeter, from under decking and via neighbouring properties. .
Problems Caused by Rats
Rats present a serious issue in homes and commercial settings primarily because of the diseases they carry and transmit through urine and droppings, these include salmonella, E. Coli and leptospirosis - which can develop into Weil’s disease. Aside from disease, rats have the capacity to cause significant damage, mainly as a result of their gnawing behaviour. Rats will gnaw daily as a way of controlling the growth of their teeth, they will also gnaw to gain access facilitate their access to new parts of a property. Damage in properties we have treated caused includes gnawing of electrical cables, gas pipes, wooden beams, furniture and kitchen units. .How do We Treat Them?
More than for any other type of pest, finding how rats are getting in is key to stopping the issue in the long term and the main function of the treatment we undertake in relation to rats is to investigate and resolve their entry point into a property. Rodenticide (poison) and/or traps have a role in rat control but alone they are not sufficient in resolving an infestation of rats in the long term. Typically the work we do will start with a survey of the property and this will include an inspection of the drains by lifting all accessible manhole covers to establish whether there are entry points. We will also look at surface entry points where rats can gain access. Once we can establish the entry point, an appropriate treatment plan is devised, this will primarily involve stopping rats getting in combined with a control method such as rodenticide or traps. The treatment is carried out over a number of visits at regular intervals until we get to the stage where the problem is resolved.