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It is said that at any one time, no person in Britain is more than nine metres away from a rat.
There are an estimated 60 million rats in the UK, which equates to one for every person. They are often seen in places where rubbish is lying around, in drains, as well as rural areas. They are becoming an ever-present nuisance.
As well as creating structural damage to your property, rats pose a serious health risk to humans due to the various diseases they carry - such as salmonella, E.coli and Tuberculosis - not to mention the fact that they have ticks, mites and fleas.
It is, therefore, imperative that you protect your home from these pests or you’ll find yourself with a big problem.
In order to get rid of rats, there are many methods you can employ. Traps are the most common and safest way of catching these vermin. The most suitable bait for capturing them is usually a strong-smelling food.
When using traps you must be patient. This is because, despite the stereotypes, rats are extremely perceptive animals and will familiarise themselves with their surroundings very quickly.
There are many different kinds of traps available on the market today. The most widely used and highly recommended are the traditional ‘snap-traps’. These will kill the rodent instantaneously, hence their popularity.
However, not all of us want to get that close to these pesky creatures, so ‘no-see’ traps are also available. These keep the rats hidden and free you from having any contact with them. This is the perfect solution for the more squeamish amongst us, especially those who cannot stand to see a rat, let alone having to get rid of one.
You can also use rat killer bait (poison) products if you experience a rodent infestation. These products can be used both indoors and outdoors. Many can be used around children and pets, but you should always check the label and product information before use.
Pest control products are widely available to help you get rid of rats, and these can be purchased from supermarkets, hardware stores, garden centres or DIY stores. These are great for amateur use in the event of minor rat problems.
Nevertheless, should the infestation become a more serious problem, it is recommended you contact a professional pest control technician. This is particularly true when there is a more established colony of rodents or where the plague of vermin is repeated.
Using highly targeted methods of treatment, pest controllers can also give you advice on preventative measures to maintain a rat-free home. Many also offer a call-out service, which is quick and effective. You can find contact details for many professional pest controllers on the Internet or through local directories.
Although they are nocturnal animals who prefer to hide from humans, rats may leave a few telltale signs in your home or garden.
Look out for rodent droppings and unusually strong smells (usually ammonia-like and very pungent).
You also need to be on the lookout for any holes that appear in the garden, normally with a small pile of earth near the entrance. Rats also have long teeth, which grow continuously and need to be kept trim, so watch for signs of wood damage from gnawing or any cables that may have been chewed through.
Check food packaging for rips and tears, which can be another sign of rats. These canny creatures will also form nests in warm hidden places and burrows under the decking in your garden, so make sure you check these areas regularly.
There are a number of preventative methods you can take in the first place to avoid the need to get rid of rats. Blocking their access to your home is absolutely crucial. Start by keeping your garbage as far away from your home as possible. If you have trees next to your house, cut away any branches that touch the building.
Check the base of your property for any openings, as rats will be able to get through the smallest of holes. You can also stop them gaining entry by fitting bristle strips on your exterior doors.
Ultrasonic repellers emit a sound that is uncomfortable to these furry pests. They can help to deter rats from entering your home, but are not recommended for existing infestations.
By storing food properly in airtight containers and regularly checking under your cooker and fridge, you can help to keep the rats at bay. Ensure that all refuse is kept in closed bins and do not put unwanted meat scraps onto the compost heap.
Ensure all your pipe work is in a good state of repair. Remember that rats can come up from the sewers through broken pipes.
If you follow these simple rules, you can reduce the risk of these opportunistic pests entering your home and thus lessen the need to employ drastic measures to get rid of rats from your property.
