Rat pest control for Hull

They are among the most prolific of all mammals. If food and shelter are available, rats will breed all year. Litters range in size from 6 to 22 young, but usually average 7 to 9. A single female may give birth to as many as 12 litters in a year. Rats will consume almost anything, but cereals form a substantial part of their diet. The UK official National Rodent Survey found a 2003 UK population of 60 million brown rats, about equal to the UK human population; winters in Britain are much warmer, making rat survival higher. Brown rats in cities tend not to wander extensively, often staying within 20 meters (65 ft) of their nest if a suitable concentrated food supply is available, but they will range more widely where food availability is lower. Their diet includes meat, fish, vegetables, weeds, earthworms, crustaceans, nuts and fruit. They sometimes cache food to return to later.

What are the signs of infestation?

Rats are particularly active at night, but may be seen during the day searching for food, water or shelter. Common rat droppings are capsule-shaped, (tapered at both ends), black and up to 12mm long. A Rta will leave about 40 droppings a day. Fresh droppings will be soft and moist,

Runs

Rats follow the same routes when moving around and often leave trails through grass and low vegetation.

Footprints, smears and tail swipes

These can be seen on muddy or dusty surfaces. Smears are dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeat contact with the oils in rat fur.

Burrows

Rats can build complex tunnel systems, which often extend deep into the ground. Entrance holes 70-120mm in diameter will be seen in grassy banks, under tree roots and at the edge of paving or drain cover surrounds.

Nests

Sometimes nests can be found indoors, in lofts or under floorboards.

Gnawing

Rats gnaw continually to wear down their front teeth, even on non-food materials such as electrical cables, pipework and wooden fixtures.

Why must rats be controlled?

Rats can transmit many diseases to humans, including Salmonellosis (food poisoning) and Weils disease, usually from the urine of infected rats.

Rats may also cause considerable damage to buildings, foundations and other structures due to gnawing and burrowing.