Rats & Mice

Commercial Services

What are the clear signs of a Rat infestation?

Rats are nocturnal and crepuscular (active between dawn and twilight) animals, making them difficult to notice. There are a few signs, nevertheless, that could indicate rat activity and the need for help. These could include:

The most obvious sign of a rat problem is rat droppings, as an average rat can produce up to 40 fresh droppings every day. They frequently taper and are the same length as a £1 coin.
Rats produce a unique, repulsive odour both while they are alive and after they have passed away. Because a dead rat smells significantly worse and can linger for up to 10 days without being eliminated, it is simpler to spot a live rat in a small space like a loft.

Because they are creatures of habit, rats frequently walk the same path. An infestation in a garden may be indicated by wear on the grass. Without the proper treatment, this problem will only become worse.

Nests: Rats seek out warm, secretive, dark areas to establish their nests in. Rats have up to six breeding cycles annually, and the average litter can have well over seven young. Common hiding locations include the loft, below floors, behind bathroom panels, or even below garden decking.

What are the clear signs of a Mouse infestation?

Mice are difficult to physically locate because they are nocturnal and crepuscular (active between dawn and dusk). There are a few signs, nevertheless, that could indicate rodent activity and the need for assistance. These could include:

One mouse can produce between 50 and 60 droppings per night. These can be spread out over a wide area, but a pronounced concentration may indicate a spot of vigorous activity.

Noises: Despite their small size, mice can be heard moving around the house and scratching. This is normal if your infestation is in the loft and may be heard through the ceiling. The House Mouse, who enjoys warm weather, is considerably more likely to be the cause of any disturbances you may hear.

Damage: Mice need to chew and bite on things all the time to keep their teeth from getting too long. They have been seen nibbling on cables, wires, wood, and plastic because they don’t care what is used to make these things.

Smell: In areas with a high population density, mice can be recognised by their ammonia-like odour. This is comparable to rats, though, and a Farnborough pest control expert can help identify the exact pest you are dealing with.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers
For a relatively minor infestation, it will take around a few days to eliminate rats. This is when you have a couple of rats scuttling around, but it’s nothing serious. On the other hand, if you have a severe infestation, it can take up to a month to solve.
Rats are vastly more difficult to effectively get rid of than mice. Rats can, for example, eat the lure from a mouse trap without triggering it (and even if it does go off, a mouse trap usually doesn’t strike with enough force to cause a fatal blow).
Here are a few humane, yet effective tips:
  1. Remove all food sources. Mice only need small amounts of food each day.
  2. Get rid of nesting materials. 
  3. Seal entry points. 
  4. Use natural mouse repellent. 
  5. Try live traps. 
  6. Trapping.
 
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