Rats

Our treatment for rats:- Domestic properties (inside and/or outside) based on 3 visits to site over a 14-21 day period. Commercial premises the number of visits and cost will be subject to a survey. We will also, where possible, provide advice during the course of the treatment to prevent infestations from reoccuring such as proofing recommendations, how to manage the environment to make it less attractive to rats. Phone us today on 0118 972 4895 or 0800 781 4059 for a quotation and to arrange an appointment. We are based in Berkshire/South Oxon, check to see if we cover your area, for a fast response?

Rats and mice can be described as "commensal" rodents (commensal literally means "sharing one's table"). This is a very apt description because wherever man has buildings and food there is potential for infestation by these animals.

In Britain there are two species of rat. The most widespread and abundant of these is the “Common Rat” (also known as the Norway rat or sewer rat) Rattus norvegicus, it lives anywhere offering food and shelter including sewers. The less common “Ship Rat” (or black or roof rat) Rattus rattus lives largely indoors in Britain mainly in the seaport towns.

Rats are excellent climbers, jumpers, swimmers and can easily squeeze through very small openings. The three most important things for a rat are: water for drinking (they can only live a few days without it!), a food source and harbourage. A common rat is usually suspicious of and tends to avoid any new object that it comes across such as a bait station, this is called Neophobia or New Object Reaction. In time the neophobia wears off but it may take 3-5 days or as long as 10 days to enter a bait container. In contrast mice tend to explore rather than avoid new objects. They will therefore feed more freely on baits from the start.

Most people detest rats mostly because it is known they spread disease, contaminate foodstuff and cause serious damage to buildings and materials.

The word rodent comes from a Latin word that means to gnaw. Rodents gnaw with their paired incisor teeth. Rodents need to continually gnaw on solid objects. Rodent damage to buildings can prove extremely costly. Rodents gnawing on cables or wires could start a fire.

Common rat colonies typically develop from a pair or single pregnant female. Infestations can develop very quickly from a single pair. Optimum conditions are equable temperature, surplus food with adequate water and undisturbed cover for rearing young.

Rats are sexually mature at 3-4 months old, they give birth every 24-28 days with an average litter size of 6-11 young and can produce 4-6 litters a year.