With constant, ongoing development and regeneration of old building’s around today’s modern towns and cities, there is a natural increase in rodent and other pest displacement from their natural habitat.  Unfortunately from the perspective of rats and mice, this has the opposite effect as they will actual thrive in modern environments.

Some people frown when control of these pests is mentioned, as they visualise the cute fluffy animals seen on Christmas cards, not the disease spreading / parasite carrying / electrical wire munching reality, that pest control specialist are so familiar with.

They can be very destructive – even the smallest mouse is capable of gnawing its way into voids and spaces then causing havoc with electrical cabling and pipework (check the story of the concrete munching rat!!). If you experience an infestation, it is better to contact a professional and licensed professional to inspect and deal with it like Pest Solutions – Shorrock Trichem, we have over twenty-five years working experience within the industry, and know that attempts at “self-control” can sometimes lead to more costly riddance treatments as rats and mice can breed so quickly (one breeding pair of mice can have a litter of up to 16 every three-weeks!! – do the math over a year its astonishing)

There are however a number of steps that homeowners and businesses can take to help prevent rat or mouse infestation occurring. We have listed five tips based on importance that may help you:-

1. Monitor waste disposal and refuse areas weekly

Apart from harbourage and shelter, the only reason rodents will be attracted to buildings is foraging for food. By taking appropriate steps to reduce food sources around bin areas and stores, this will help in discouraging rodent intrusion. Ensure that waste spillages are removed into the correct type of waste disposal container, something that is sealed and has no drain hole in the base, (rats will; and do; easily access large bins with un-blanked drain plugs in the bases. This can often lead to a fright to anyone opening the bin!)

Keep waste bins away from your home or building and ensure that they do not get overfull by making provisions for adequate waste removal.

2. Seal obvious ingress points

Whilst rats or mice are opportunist, they very rarely walk in through the front door, so preventing entry is often a case of carrying out regular inspections to your building to identify and repair, potential entry points, these could be, broken brick-work, missing air-bricks, gaps around pipe-entry points or gaps under doors (anything above 5mm will allow a mouse entry). Whilst these offer no guarantee, they will help reduce the possibility of rodent intrusion

3. Keep on top of housekeeping

After food, the most important thing a rodent needs to flourish is harbourage. They can nest in the most unlikely places and as previously mentioned are opportunists. Old stored goods, piled up boxes, general clutter in old store rooms or corridors are sufficient for a rodent to start nesting, so review your storage regularly and maintain a level of tidiness that will help reduce the areas they can look for nesting or nesting materials.

4. Ensure tenants and staff are aware of how cleaning matters

Half eaten chocolates, crisps or sandwiches left on desks or in waste baskets overnight are things that are frequently seen by pest-controllers. It is only when someone notices droppings on their desk or sees a mouse jump out of the communal toaster, that staff become aware of the real risk. Try to educate your staff on a frequent basis, about the risks that poor office / work-shop hygiene can increase the risk of pest infestation and the risks that go with it.

5. Carry out regular inspections

One of the major ways of effective rodent control is to stay alert – early detection is key in stopping an infestation before it gets out of control. Carry out regular reviews and inspections to ensure all of the above points are being adhered to.

If you need help with pest control or would like a free no obligations survey and quotation, please contact us here.