The weather has turned colder, in fact, this October was the coldest recorded this decade. With this cold weather, rodents start looking for a warm home. The best control, as with all pests, is to do what you can to avoid them becoming a nuisance in the first place. We call this prevention!
Rodents, rats, mice and even squirrels can cause a lot of damage to homes, and businesses. From destroying furniture, chewing through wires and cables to spreading disease.
Spotting the signs of an infestation
Rats and mice are certainly most active at night, therefore it is often easier to spot the signs of an infestation than the actual pests.
You may find their droppings or marks they leave as they travel along their routes, you may hear scratching noises at night, find holes (they dig extensive burrow systems); also watch out for teeth marks (rodents need to gnaw continuously to keep their teeth short). They will use whatever soft material is available to them to make a nest – including loft insulation, cardboard, so keep a lookout for shredded material.
Preventing the problems rodents cause can be easier than trying to control an infestation.
Here are a few tips that could save you from having rodents:
- Rodents are attracted to a property if they can detect potential food sources.
- Keep foodstuffs in containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Don’t throw scraps of food outside and make sure all food waste is securely wrapped and always stored in the appropriate bin.
- Repair any small holes in brickwork and holes in outside walls, floorboards or skirting boards. They will find a way to enter your property!
- Tidy cupboards and remove any potential nesting material. As we said earlier, rodents will use any soft material such as loft insulation and cardboard.
- Keep your home or business tidy. The less clutter there is the fewer places they will have to hide.
- Clean up any waste pet food or bird seed debris regularly. Store these items in containers with fitted lids and preferably above ground level.
- Keep gardens free from debris and clutter.
- Don’t put food waste in your compost bins. This is sure to attract mice and rats.
- Do act quickly and call in the professionals to prevent a larger infestation developing.
- If you have already spotted signs of rats or mice such as droppings, it may already be too late. Give us a call as soon as you can on freephone 0800 980 9609.
Don’t give the pests a chance to breed and become a major infestation. Only a professional rodent control programme can provide reassuring protection from the risk of rats and mice on your premises. Request a free survey on our website.