What You Need to Know About London Rodent Elimination
Almost every property owner has had to deal with mice infestation at one point or another. In urban areas, rodents can breed quickly as they have access to many food sources in close proximity. They also carry numerous infectious bacteria and viruses which pose a risk to our health including bubonic plague, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, salmonella, and rat-bite fever. They also cause damage to the structure of your home and garden and can be a real nuisance in your local area.
In London the problem is especially acute as the city’s sprawling infrastructure provides ideal tunnels for rodents to travel through. As the population of the city continues to rise and the availability of food increases, rats are able to breed more and more. The result is that a small number of rats can quickly turn into an infestation, as they are a very quick breeder.
When a rat infestation is spotted, it’s important to take action immediately as the presence of these vermin is not only a nuisance but can lead to serious health issues. Rodents are known to spread numerous diseases by contaminating our food, drinking water and even our own skin through their urine and faeces. They can also damage our property by gnawing through water and gas pipes, wood and plastic, as well as electrical wiring.
The first step in any London rodent elimination rat control process is to identify the species of rodent that you are dealing with. This is because the control methods used vary from pest to pest. Once the rat has been identified, your pest controller will be able to recommend the best course of treatment.
Rodents are extremely adaptable and nimble creatures, allowing them to enter our homes through narrow gaps, cracks and crevices. They can chew through a wide range of materials, including water or gas pipes, soft concrete, rubber, wood, plastic and insulation. The damage caused by gnawing is particularly concerning as it can compromise the safety of your family and your visitors.
You can often spot a rat infestation by hearing unusual noises in the ceiling or walls of your property. You may also notice a trail of droppings or scurrying sounds in your attic or cellar. Your pet dogs and cats may display odd behaviour, such as excessive barking or pawing at certain parts of the house.
The traditional method of catching and killing rats is through anti-coagulant poisons, however this can be problematic in households with domestic pets, as it can be toxic to them too. It can also be dangerous to children and babies.
A better option is to get your property mouse-proofed by an expert pest control company, like Integrum. A pest professional will inspect your property, identify the source of the problem and then install a comprehensive treatment plan which includes traps, bait stations and repellents. Follow-up visits will be carried out to ensure that the infestation has been eradicated. This is a much safer alternative to anti-coagulant poisons and will not put your family’s or your pets at risk.