Rats are a growing problem in the UK with there now estimated to be twice as many of these rodents as there are humans. Combined with the recent heavy rainfall and a drop in temperature, you’re more likely than ever to suffer an infestation in your home.
Whether you see a rodent for yourself or you’ve spotted the signs of their presence, below we explain how to get rid of a rat infestation in your home.
Find out what’s attracting them
There are a number of reasons rats may make their way inside. They’re more than likely on the hunt for food, warmth and shelter but there’s also the possibility that you’ve simply made it incredibly easy for them to get in.
If you’re someone who likes to leave the back door open to let in some fresh air or so a pet can come in and out as they please, rats may simply be walking into your home. Even if you’re extra vigilant, these rodents can fit into surprisingly small gaps which means they could be making their way inside through small holes in your home.
Seal up any potential entry points, even if you’re certain you already have rats. You may feel like the last thing you want to do is lock them inside with you but they need a lot of water to survive so will often travel in and out your house to get some. Not only does sealing up entry points prevent future outbreaks, dehydration will soon kill off any rats you have in your property.
An easy food source is probably the biggest thing which attracts rats, especially in winter. If rats find somewhere they can get food quickly and easily, you can guarantee they’ll nest nearby. Eliminate the source however and they will either move on or die of hunger if there’s no way of getting out.
Some good habits to get into include:
- Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately
- Hoover at least once a week (more if you have a child who likes to drop their food on the floor)
- Keep any open food in a tightly sealed container
- Clean cupboards regularly and wipe them clean of debris
- Store rubbish in a bin with a lid which closes tightly
- Don’t leave pet food out for too long
- Check for leaky pipes and taps because this provides a source of water for rats
- Try to store bins, bird feeders and compost as far away from your home as possible
Call pest control
The best way to identify and eliminate an infestation is to call pest control. You can set up traps yourself but they’re not always effective or humane. With Prokill, you can be rest assured that we only ever work with accredited experts who are certified with the British Pest Control Association.
This means that we can assess the size and type of infestation and advise on tailored pest control treatments. What’s more, our technicians can also provide prevention tips for the future so you never have to worry about another outbreak.
To book in for your free, no obligation quote, please get in touch with Prokill.
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