People heading into garages, basements, outbuildings and attics to retrieve Christmas decorations, have been warned to keep a lookout for any signs of rat activity. Internal Rat activity within commercial premises has risen 30% over the last four years, and traditionally peaks in late November and December when the weather turns colder and wetter, according to data analysis from Rentokil Pest Control.
Following an exceptionally mild October, Rentokil Pest Control predicts that rat activity is likely to increase in the coming weeks particularly as temperatures fall, after rats delayed moving into sheltered spots during the autumn. Lofts and attic spaces are two common locations in homes where people may spot the signs of rats. So when retrieving boxes of decorations and Christmas trees that may have lain untouched since last year, it would be advisable to keep an eye out for any telltale signs of pest activity.
Things to look out for include shredded loft insulation, chewed items, or concentrations of 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.
