Rats in UK news stories have been a huge topic this week. Pest control experts have warned the British public that a whopping 120 million rats could be headed right for our front doors. Living in cities and urban areas, like London, means that rats will always be a common thing. However, this recent scare has got us thinking more proactively about rats in UK houses, and how we’re going to stop this tidal wave of infestations. Read on for more information regarding the current concerns the pest control industry has of potential rat infestations in both domestic and business premises but please be aware, that Empire have professional rat control proceedures already in place should you need to contact us for any rat infestation issues, even at short notice.
Rats In UK Homes: Why Now?
As you have probably experienced recently, there has been a lot of heavy rain fall all over London and the UK. This has forced a lot of rats in UK fields and underground hidey holes to come to the surface.
The weather is also starting to get much colder, meaning rats will want to find somewhere warm to shelter. The combination of these things, plus their constant hunt for reliable food sources, means that more rats are being sighted in the UK at this time of year.
What Attracts Rats Into Our Homes?
There are three main things that will attract a rat into your home. We are going to explore each one to help you minimise the risk of suffering rats in your property.
– Openings
An easy access point is heaven to a rat. Whilst you might think that bricks and mortar should be strong enough to keep a rat out, that’s not always the case. Because of all the rainfall we’ve had, the water may have weakened foundations or even knocked roof tiles askew. These seemingly insignificant occurrences can make a small opening in your home‘s defences. Rats can easily squeeze through these gaps, and make their nest in your roofing or walls.
– Clutter and rubbish
Any kind of debris around your home provides the perfect environment for rats. Heaps of leaves in the garden, piles of paper in your home study, or even stored clothing in the loft are all perfect rat hiding places.
Outdoor bins are particularly vulnerable. The contents provide nesting materials as well as food. Councils are notorious for not dealing with litter and waste, making it difficult for UK residents to take control of the hygiene issues in their local area that attract rats.
– Other food sources
Of course the most obvious attraction for a rat is a reliable food source. The most common way a rat can find food in your home is from a bird feeder. These are everyday items that sit in our gardens, but can provide a great source of food to a rat. Other common food sources include open rubbish bins and improper storage of leftovers.
Should You Believe In The Hype?
The reason why this has become such a big issue right now is that rats are being spotted in UK homes more regularly at the moment. Rats are coming out of the sewers and from under the ground due to the rain, but they’ve really always been there. In fact, the figure of 120 million rats in the UK has actually remained pretty steady over the past few years.
That being said, this is still a huge number of rodents. And the idea of it being more likely for them to enter our homes is not a pleasant prospect. If the winter is cold as last year, we could indeed be seeing more rats seeking refuge in our warm houses.
Rat Prevention Measures
- Tidying up – A cluttered, untidy home attracts pests. Clearing up unwanted clutter and giving the garden a good tidy can save you from a rat infestation.
- Sealing – Cracks and gaps make ideal entry points. Inspecting your property and sealing these holes will stop rats invading your home.
- Drying – Excess water spots should be dried up. If you have a leak anywhere on your property, get it fixed as soon as possible. Standing water attracts pests.
- Checking – The loft and garage may have become a bit neglected over the summer. If this is the case, it might be time to check the unloved areas of your home. Just like you should do with your shed in the winter, places that don’t see much activity in the house need to be checked regularly in case rats have infested.
Keeping Rats Away
Following pest control news is always a useful way to stay aware of what pests are becoming a problem right now. However, you don’t always have to worry alone. Empire are here 24 hours a day. Whether you need advice, reassurance or assistance, we can help.
News stories tend to sensationalise any issues. 120 million extra rats in UK are not about to descend on us. Rats in UK homes will always be common. It’s knowing what attracts them and preventing them from infesting that makes the difference. And, if you do find rats on your property, there are companies like Empire who have the expertise to deal with them with the minimum of fuss.
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