According to research by the BBC there are over 15 million rats in the UK, other studies believe there’s an average of 1 rat for every 4 humans. In London there is a great likelihood that there are as many rats as people.
This news may make your skin crawl, but a better response is to ascertain how you can prevent them becoming a pest in your property and therefore hinder their search for a suitable nesting spot to procreate at their alarming rate.
They’re like us. Rats want a safe, warm environment which is close to food and water. These pests are noted opportunists so if there is a tiny hole in the fascia, a gap between timbers or a roof tile that’s hanging loose, they don’t need much room or time to wriggle in. An open window is simple to negotiate.
Your property repairs shouldn’t be neglected, postponed or ineffectually dealt with or you may discover some unwanted residents and gnawing damage as they sharpen their teeth and create nests with the items you leave for them to utilise.
A Small Rat Infestation Won’t Remain That Way
Their breeding rate is astounding, if not worrying, for a property owner. A mother rat today can be a great grandmother within months.
Their pregnancies last for around 3 weeks and the litters are normally between 6-10. Weaning takes another 3 weeks and maturity is reached at around 10-12 weeks. This means that procreation via this litter can start. Repeat this cycle a few times and you’ll have a big problem.
Which Rats Are You Likely to Encounter?
The Brown Rat. Rattus Norvegicus.
Also known as the Common Rat and Norway Rat, it’s the most common rat found in the UK.
The Black Rat, Rattus Rattus, also called the Ship Rat, is becoming rare in the UK.
Brown Rats are:
- 20-25cm without the tail.
- Can weigh half a kilo.
- The tail is shorter than the body.
- They have hair covered ears.
- Their noses are flat.
Health Risks of Rat Infestations
Rats are not only troublesome but pose health risks and they are intelligent enough not to fall for crude methods of rat pest control. As they’ve evolved many rats have become immune to over the counter pest control treatments and so a rat infestation will simply continue to expand without professional, license only treatments administered by qualified rodent control services specialists.
Rats hearing, touch and taste are outstanding, as is their loyalty. When they discover a risk, they alert their fellow rats and avoid it.
Some Diseases Associated with brown Rats:
- Salmonella.
- Weil’s disease.
- Tuberculosis.
- Cryptosporidiosis.
- E-Coli.
- The Black Death was brought by Black Rats so there is a minute risk of a breakout in the UK.
Rats can still pass on a virus or parasites after death so please don’t handle them.
Don’t take any “cost cutting, time saving” risks with your own safety; that’s why rat pest control has qualifications attached. Call a trusted company like Pest Control Berkshire for peace of mind and comprehensive rodent control services.