Rat Removal Burnley
Rat Control Burnley
Rat infestations are bad news not least because of the health risks they pose – rats are officially associated with about 55 different pathogens.
They also cause significant damage, with their extremely sharp incisor teeth able to gnaw through doors, ceiling, joists, pipes, electrical wires, and floorboards. Rats will also shred nearly anything for their nests from paper to linen and plastic.
The really bad news is if you’ve seen one rat there are likely to be between 5 and 10 other rats in the same nest. And there are often many nests in close proximity to each other that form a social colony of potentially up to 100 rats if sufficient food is available to support the population.
Rat infestations can build up quickly, rats are only pregnant for 3 weeks and the female is able to conceive again immediately.
The coronavirus lockdown has changed the way we behave dramatically and significantly reduced the amount of external food sources available to rats causing more and more reported rat infestation of homes.
Contact Wallace Pest Control
Wallace Pest Control are the leading supplier of fast and effective rat control and removal right across the Burnley area.
Call us now if you think you may have a rat problem on 07496 680879 or send us a message on the contact form below.
Signs of Rat Infestation
Rats can normally be found under kitchen units, in basements, under garden sheds, under decking, behind bath panels and in loft space to name just a few places.
They often gain access via broken drains, damaged walls, subterranean conduits, broken vents or holes around pipes – there are clear signs to look out for if you suspect you may have rats:
Rat Droppings – Rats produce up to 40 droppings per night, dark brown in colour, the size of a small olive and the shape of a grain of rice. If the droppings appear grey and dusty this is an indication that they are remnants from a previous infestation.
Rat urine – Rat urine has a very sharp smell and its likely you’ll smell it before you see any puddles.
Sounds of Scurrying or Scratching – Rats come out at night so if you’re awake in a quiet house you won’t be able to miss the sound of scratching, squeaking and scurrying around.
Rub Marks – You will often see greasy smudges and marks left on objects and surfaces they repeatedly rub against.
Shredded Material – Rats will shred material like paper, card or cushion stuffing for their nests. They will also chew open food packages, containers and even wooden spoons!
Gnaw Marks – You may find wires, cables, nylon bags, or anything made of rubber with gnaw marks. They fairly easily identifiable.
Treatment of Rat Infestation
It should be seen as relatively simple for a professional to clear a rat infestation by using both lethal and non-lethal options such as traps and rodenticide.
However, our ultimate goal is not just to simply remove the current problem but also to provide long term prevention.
As all rodents are highly adaptable creatures this can be a tricky business where a professional will be required. Rats only require a hole around the size of a 50p coin to enter your home and begin destructive behaviour.
One of the most common causes of rat infestations is via a damaged drain. Something which is often overlooked by both drain inspectors and builders alike. As Burnley is one of the old Lancashire mill towns it is full of terraced homes.
Many of these homes will have had their drains altered over the years but much of the drain system is the original 100+ years old. Over time these ceramic drains become misaligned, cracked, or broken allowing rodents to enter from beneath.
Wallace pest control is a proud supporter of the CRRU scheme. This means whilst we do make use of various control methods available to us, we will always use rodenticides responsibility with the welfare of our wildlife in mind.
Call us now if you have seen a rat or think you may have a problem with rats – 07496 680879