Rodent populations are at their peak right now and it’s possible that you may start seeing signs of an infestation at home or at your business premises over the next few weeks, as rats and mice start to scurry inside to hide from the colder weather and find more readily available sources of food.

There are millions of rats in the UK at any one time, with estimates ranging from 10.5 million to 120 million… and it’s often said that you’re never more than a few feet away from them wherever you are or whatever you’re doing.

It’s important to keep rat populations under control because they communicate and mark their territory by urinating everywhere, which can put public health at serious risk. They also carry lots of diseases which can spread to people, including the likes of leptospirosis (or Weil’s disease), salmonella, listeria, hantavirus and toxoplasmosis.

It’s not just your health you need to worry about, however, and if you do have a rat problem you’re sure to start seeing signs of property damage sooner rather than later. Rats gnaw on what they can in order to keep their teeth in good shape, so keep an eye open for signs of damage, particularly around pipes and electrical cables.

Check for signs of rats in your roof spaces, wall cavities and beneath the floorboards if you are worried that you may have an infestation. In the garden, they can be found under sheds or in grassy banks and verges, as well as in the sewer systems.

One of the most common signs that you do have rats on site is the appearance of faeces, which are dark and pellet-shaped, similar in size to large grains of rice. 

Gnaw marks are another indication, as are torn bags of food. And look out for smear marks, which can show up on walls, caused by rats making their way around the property and rubbing their coats on surfaces.

If you do find signs of a rat infestation, get in touch with us today to discuss rat control near you.