Pest Control, Mice Infestation, Rodent Infestation, Rat Infestations in London

Rodents infestation (mice and rats)

Features/Biology

Rat Infestation: The Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Pest control in London has long involved the tacking of rodent infestation. The brown rat, also known as the common rat, breeds rapidly producing up to five litters a year, meaning a rat infestation can form very quickly. Females give birth to about eight young, after a gestation of 22-24 days. Fur colour can vary; generally it is dull grey, but can be various shades of brown. The brown rat needs to drink water daily; explaining why they love to live near water sources, including sewers. Rats are mainly active during dusk and at night. Rats can be differentiated from mice by their front paws, which only have four digits/claws versus the mouse which has five digits/claws.

Mice Infestation: House Mouse (Mus domesticus)

House mice are light brown to black in colour. Whilst mice also need water daily, they can survive on food which has a moisture content of only 15%. Although mice are omnivorous, they primarily feed on plant matter. When identifying a mice infestation, keep an eye out for their droppings, which are blackish and about 3mm long, and also have a musty smell.

Mice are good jumpers, runners and swimmers and are mostly active during dusk or night.

History

Rat Infestation: Brown Rat

Sometimes the brown rat’s colour can appear black, causing some people to think that they have seen a “ship rat”, also known as the black rat (responsible for helping to spread the Black Death plague in the mid 14th century). But the black rat is very rare, having been replaced during the 18th century, across most of the UK, by the brown rat, which is bigger and more adaptable. If you are searching for pest control in London because of a rat infestation, chances are it’s a brown rat causing your problems.

Problems/Risks

Rodent infestation is a major problem throughout the UK and a major reason for people calling in pest control in London. Rodents spread disease and cause damage wherever a rat infestation or mice infestation occurs. Both rats and mice need to gnaw constantly, in order to keep their teeth filed, and so the damage an infestation can cause to woodwork, wiring and furniture can be very expensive.

Recommended Treatment for a Rodent Infestation

Many houses and business premises are not well sealed against rodents, making it easier for a mice infestation or rat infestation to establish itself. We perform a four-part treatment process as follows:

1. Thoroughly investigate the source of the mice infestation/rat infestation, examination of holes, droppings, runs, smear marks, damage, tracks, nests and dead/live rodent sightings; and
2. Seal all visible small gaps and holes and provide advice of any large holes that may require more extensive repairs to prevent access by rodents; and
3. Provide 3-4 regular treatments with tamper resistant baits over a 4 – 6 week period.
4. Remove bait stations at the end of treatment, once the rodent infestation has been removed.