Bucks Rat Control and Pest control

Why are rats a problem?

Rats live comfortably in both urban and rural environments, so long as there is both harbourage (shelter) and ready access to food and water. They are largely nocturnal.

Rats contaminate everywhere they go with their droppings, urine and hairs. They carry a wide range of harmful diseases such as Toxoplasmosis and Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis), which can prove fatal to humans.

It is important when eradicating Rats that all the animals are eliminated. Rats achieve sexual maturity at two months and are able to produce seven litters of 8-10 offspring a year. If one pair survives they can produce 432 rats in only six months.

Most commercial baits claim to be effective against both rats and mice, although the level of susceptibility to the toxicants, as well as the attractiveness and palatability of the bait formulation varies between species and even between individuals of the same species.

Rats display a number of characteristics, which make eradication difficult. Two such characteristics are 'neophobia' - the avoidance of new objects such as a bait box and 'learned aversion', sometimes known as 'bait shyness'. They communicate their aversions to others in their social group. Rats often move food to safety and hoard it prior to eating -just because bait is being taken does not mean it is being eaten.

Once these characteristics are recognised, they can be exploited by ensuring the correct bait selection, and utilising techniques such as pre-baiting (the placing of harmless bait to increase the later consumption of poison bait). The complete eradication of Rats from a given area is a complicated process and requires an experienced and competent technician.

An environmental assessment should always be conducted when using poisons, to minimise adverse effects on non-target species. The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) has produced a code of good practice to enable safe use of poison baits.

Poison bait often needs to be used in conjunction with other methods such as trapping, to confirm species identification and ensure complete eradication. The control methods used will depend upon:

The scale of the infestation
The nature of the infested site
The risk to humans and non-target wildlife, pets and livestock
The competence and experience of the person doing the job

At Pest Control Bucks we have both the training and expertise to ensure safe and effective treatment of a Rat infestation. Once eradicated we will advise on prevention methods.

To discuss your Rat problem you can call Ged

tele: 01753 643 799
mob: 07505 961901
email: ged@buckspest.co.uk