Pest control experts have explained how you can tell if you've got rodents in your house - and what to do to remove them.
Rats can set up home beneath the decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and love compost heaps. They can also be found inside your property, scurrying below floorboards.
They are also mostly nocturnal so you might not see them, but there are plenty of signs to look out for. Paul Blackhurst, head of technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control, has now shared the best way to get rid of rats from your home, reports The Express. His advice is detailed below.
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Signs you have rodents in your home
Paul said “there are a number of telltale signs” to look out for.
Smell and sound
In heavier infestations, rats and mice may have a very strong ammonia stench. On top of this, rodents are often very noisy, making audible scrabbling noises on the premises.
Droppings
Rats excrete dark, spindle-shaped droppings up to 14mm in size, whereas mice droppings are typically 5mm and oval-shaped.
Smears
Rodents use established routes along skirting boards and walls due to their poor eyesight. You may notice grease marks where rodents have brushed up against your walls and surfaces.
Footprints
Rats can leave foot and tail marks in dusty, less-used areas of your property such as the attic or basement. Shining a strong flashlight at a low angle should reveal tracks clearly.
"To establish if an infestation is active, sprinkle fine flour or talcum powder along a small stretch of floor near the footprints and check for fresh tracks the next day,” said Paul.
Burrows
Brown rats are well known for digging and excavating extensive burrow systems for shelter, food storage and nesting. They build burrows next to structures, such as sheds or garages, and are also found in secluded, well-vegetated areas such as gardens.
Damage
Gnawing marks, shredded paper and damage to food storage containers are all common signs of rodent activity.
Paul added: "The older a property is, the more likely it is to have holes in the exterior that rodents could use as a point of entry. Due to its flexible rib cage, a house mouse is able to fit through a hole a quarter of its height; the diameter of an average ballpoint pen."
In terms of where rodents might live in the home, the expert revealed: "Cavity walls and other hidden spaces, such as suspended ceilings, crawl spaces as well as airing and under stairs cupboards, are all attractive to rodents. Mice and rats feel secure in these confined spaces and are excellent climbers, using pipes, cabling and cavities to navigate their way around a building."
How to remove rodents from your home
Paul said: "Focusing on early, preventative measures to remove sources of shelter and food, will help to discourage rodents from setting up home in your property. As soon as you confirm signs of rodents you should restrict access to their lifelines (food, water and shelter).
“Knowing when to call in professional help is really important. If you do see any obvious holes in the exterior of your premises, or suspect that your drains may have been compromised, then be sure to talk to a professional pest controller."
As for homes with cats and dogs, Paul said they “can act as deterrents for rodents in the areas of the home that they can reach, although this is not a foolproof method of keeping your home free from this all-too-common pest problem.
“Rats and mice are known to carry bacteria such as leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to other animals. In addition, mice are a known intermediate carrier of Toxoplasmosis which can be passed onto cats."
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