As temperatures drop to below freezing, people are being warned to watch out for rats in garages, basements and attics.
Merseyside has been hit by an arctic blast this week as temperatures plummet and a yellow warning for ice has been issued. Forecasters say it is becoming increasingly cold, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of -8C in the evening.
It's not clear how long this cold spell will last, however, it is expected to stay cold into next week with temperatures remaining well below average for the time of year. Following a mild October, Rentokil Pest Control predicts that rat activity is likely to increase in the coming weeks particularly as temperatures fall.
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According to data analysis from Rentokil Pest Control, o ver the last four years internal rat activity within commercial premises has increased by 30% and peaks in late November and December.
But as people dust off their Christmas decorations, people are being urged to watch out for the signs of rats, WalesOnline reports. Key things to look out for include shredded loft insulation, chewed items, or droppings - which look like large brown spindles.
Each rat will produce up to 40 droppings a night, and they will often be found in the corners of rooms or boxes, perfect for around those decorations that have remained untouched for the last 12 months.
Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control said: “Rodents are a key public health concern, which can cause considerable damage to both residential and business premises, as well as business’ reputation.
"After a mild autumn we’re expecting to see a surge in enquiries as soon as the temperature drops, as rats will be looking for somewhere warm to spend the winter. While most of us may associate rats with sewers and holes in the ground, brown rats are very agile climbers, and can be found in loft spaces."
In the wild, rats nest in burrows but when they move indoors they tend to nest in lofts, attics, under eaves and even in cavity walls. They will shred available materials such as loft insulation, cardboard and other soft items to make their nests.
He added: "When you’re up in the loft, there are a few simple things to look out for; nests, droppings, signs of gnawing, and greasy rub marks on joists. If any of these are spotted, then pest control experts should be called in to deal with the problem sustainably and efficiently. Pest specialists can use tools and technology to monitor and safely eliminate any rodent activity, helping make sure that the only footsteps you may hear on your roof this Christmas, are from Santa and his reindeer."
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