When it comes to household pests, one of the biggest problems you can encounter is a rat infestation.
They say you’re never really more than six feet away from a rat at any time and, where our homes are concerned, it’s possible that we may see more infestations of this kind manifesting in the future, with climate change driving milder winters and helping rat populations to thrive.
Signs of a rat infestation
If you see gnaw marks on cables, wires or items kept in the loft, or if you see dark brown tapered droppings (similar to a grain of rice), you likely have a rat problem that will need to be resolved.
Also look out for rub marks on surfaces like walls, skirting boards and baseboards. Rats have quite bad eyesight and so use established routes to get from A to B, leaving grease marks from natural body oils and fur on surfaces as they travel.
Other signs include rat holes and nests, as well as footprints left behind in dustier parts of the house or outbuildings that perhaps are less well used.
The best places to check for rats are in the loft or attic, behind appliances like washing machines, ovens and dishwashers, and locations that don’t see heavy use, such as suspended ceilings and crawlspaces. Outside, check under the decking, in sheds and garages, and around compost heaps.
How to get rid of rats
Rat control can be tricky, as these rodents are particularly well equipped for survival, being very mobile, highly adaptable and able to breed very quickly indeed.
Rat spray is an alternative to rat and mouse killer spray that has been found to be effective at deterring and repelling rodents both indoors and outdoors. This compassionate approach to pest control features a blend of natural essential oils and provides you with extended defence against infestations.
All you need to do is spray those areas at home that are prone to rat activity, allowing you to repel such pests without having to rely on traps or dangerous poisons.
These, while certainly effective, can take time to work as rats are neophobic, which means that they’re naturally wary of new objects being placed in their environment, so they’ll stay away from your traps for some time. It’s also worth noting that poison and traps also pose a risk to children and pets, which is why people are increasingly searching for other options.
If your rat infestation persists, it would be advisable to then get in touch with a professional pest control company who can help you get on top of the problem. Always check their credentials and make sure that they’re a member of the British Pest Control Association so you know they’re above board and will be able to get the job done.
