How To Spot A Rat Infestation
Rats and their close relatives, mice, are relatively easy to spot because they are larger than other pests, such as insects. However, rats are incredibly scared of people and will avoid them where possible.
As such, you should look out for other indications of rat activity, such as gnaw marks, rat droppings, smear marks on walls or skirting boards, and scurrying noises. Also, look out for gaps in your brickwork or chewed plastic air vents, which could be rat entry points.
If you do have rats, you need to be proactive. Rats are one of the most dangerous and irritating pest problems you can face. They carry diseases that can spread to humans, including Hantavirus and Leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s Disease. Because their teeth never stop growing, rats chew almost constantly, which means they often cause structural issues and can even cause fires in homes if they chew through live electrical wiring. They can also distress children and pets.
For companies, rats can lead to health and safety concerns and even cause your business to be shut down while you get rid of the rat infestation. Now that almost everyone has a camera on their phone and a social media account, it only takes one sighting of a rat at your premises that gets caught on camera to cause your reputation lasting damage.
Fortunately, help is at hand from Mission Pest Control. We work with homes and businesses across Swindon and the South West, providing expert rat control to eliminate rodents and reduce their impact on the local community. Call 01793379333 to book fast, humane rat control today.
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Types Of Rat Found In The UK
Brown and black rats are the two main types of rat found in the UK. The main differences are:
Brown Rats
The brown rat, also known as the common rat, street rat or Norway rat, is both the most common and largest rat found in the UK. They measure around 23cm, not counting their tails, and weigh half a kilo or more, with stocky bodies and stubby noses. The brown rat is considered more aggressive and can be incredibly destructive.
Black Rats
The black rat is the rarer species and is also around half the size of the brown rat. Black rats like to live near water, which is why they’re often called ship rats. They are sleeker than brown rats and completely black in colour, with a pointed nose and thinner body. Black rats are less aggressive and more scared of humans, but they will enter your property if they have the opportunity.
Rats are often confused for mice, and while the two might look similar, rats are harder to remove. If you’re facing a rodent infestation, get in touch for expert rat control solutions that work.
Get Rid Of Rats For Good With Mission Pest Control
Rat infestations can be difficult to remove, especially if the rodents have started building nests and having pups. Once they gain access to your property, rats will use pheromone trails to signal to other rats that they have found a safe source of food and shelter.
Because they are neophobic, rats are scared of unknown objects and will deliberately avoid them, making it difficult to control rats with traps and bait alone. You need a combination of tools and techniques to get rid of rats, which is why professional pest control is the best choice for controlling rats.
Mission Pest Control has extensive experience removing rats from homes and businesses across Swindon and the surrounding area. Our team can eradicate rats from your home or business premises, ensuring your safety and reducing the chance of serious damage to your property.
We are RSPH Level 2 Certified, meaning we have access to rat control products that aren’t available to the general public. Combined with our understanding of rat behaviour, these solutions allow us to remove rats fast and ensure they don’t come back.
Call 01793379333 to book rat control for your Swindon-based home or business and say goodbye to rats for good.