As the weather gets colder we always get an increase in calls about rats and mice. Rodents cause a particular problem in the autumn as crops have been harvested and they need somewhere else to live.
Did you know?
- Rodents’ teeth never stop growing, so they never stop gnawing. They have been known to gnaw through pipes, cables and even walls!
- Due to their destructive gnawing, rats and mice are thought to be responsible for as many as a quarter of fires. After a fire in a bank caused by rats, The London Fire Brigade said, “rodents can cause very serious fires as they can compromise cables and destroy electrical circuits, making them very dangerous. If you’re worried about rodents, speak to a pest controller as soon as possible, who will help you deal with the problem.”
- Rodents carry many diseases that can be fatal if transferred to humans. You can get infected even if you never see the rodent, from coming into contact with droppings or areas contaminated by urine.
What to look for
Rats and mice leave tell-tale signs where ever they go. Look out for:
- Droppings. Rat droppings measure up to 20mm. Mice droppings can be up to 6mm long.
- Food with nibble marks.
- Smell. You might notice a musty smell similar to wet straw.
- Noises. Investigate further if you hear squeaks, rustling or scampering sounds at night.
- Greasy smears. Rodents often leave a disgusting dark smear of body grease when regularly running over surfaces.
If you spot any of these, get in touch with us as soon as possible. Rodents breed so quickly that a couple of rats or mice can quickly turn into a massive infestation.
