Rats are a survivor species. They are an excellent survivor species because they are naturally scavengers and incredibly intelligent. They are also prolific breeders. They are prolific breeders and can produce 6 litters per year with between 5-10 rats per litter. There is tremendous potential for rapid growth of the rat population because they can reproduce as young as 10 weeks old.
The best living conditions are provided by humans to rats. There are many natural factors that can control the population of rats, such as food scarcity, shelter shortages, predators and diseases, as well as in-fighting. The rat population keeps growing, so intervention by humans becomes necessary.
Pest control in London can protect your home
Winter months are when rats seek warmth and food in buildings. Protecting your home is the most important thing you can do. Learn how to recognize signs of rats and prevent them from entering your home. It is worth checking for rats nests near your home. This includes in drains, compost heaps, around garbage bins, under sheds, and in outbuildings.
You must recognize the signs that indicate you have rats. You can identify a rat problem sooner than you think. You will soon be faced with a large infestation if rats are allowed to enter your home.
What are the signs that rats might be a problem for you?
Droppings Each night, a rat can leave up to 40 pieces of droppings. They are approximately the size and shape a olive, and are shiny and dark. They are often found in large numbers.
Urine puddles Rat urine can be hard to miss.
Foul smell: Rats live, breed, die, and then decompose under your floors or between your walls. You’ll notice this foul-smelling smell.
Scratching rats can climb walls so they make scratching noises behind walls.
You’ll find footprints in places where rats have run wild.
Gnaw marks Rats have incisors they never stop growing so they gnaw continually to keep their teeth down. Grnaw marks are visible on everything hard like cables, concrete and metal as well as walls, pipes, and furniture.
Nesting Materials Rats will use any shredded material, including paper, cardboard, fabric, and plastic, to build their nests. The materials will be seen outside the holes, as they are messy creatures.
The holes of ground rats are often found beneath dense vegetation or under buildings. They can lead to tunnels that are very short, up to 3 feet in length, and as deep as 18 inches.
Rat runs Rats often follow the same route and create a distinct pathway.
You should be aware that contact with rat droppings could lead to serious, sometimes fatal, infections. Rat droppings can also infect dogs with potentially deadly diseases like Leptospirosis.
Keep in mind that if there are more than one rat living around your house, it’s not the only one.
Contact us for advice or a quote about rat proofing.
