Rat infestations are not uncommon and can happen to anyone. It doesn’t matter how clean your house is because when the weather gets cold and conditions like rain, frost and snow make rat burrows uninhabitable; these rodents will move indoors at the first opportunity.

Rats can squeeze their bodies through tiny holes and cracks a fraction of their size, so if you think you might have a problem, it’s time to call Pest Control London.

Spot the signs

If a rat has taken up residence in your home, there will be some evidence of this if you know where to look.

Rats are very secretive creatures, so if you spot one – dead or alive – in or around your house, then chances are you have an infestation. Overpopulation is one of the biggest contributing factors to a rat being seen out in the open.

If you suspect this might be the case, look out for:

• Rat droppings – small as a grain of rice, and numerous
• Scratching noises in the walls and ceilings
• Tail trails and footprints in dusty areas – test this by leaving flour or talc out overnight and checking for prints the next day
• Greasy rub marks along skirting boards and walls
• The gnawing of wires, cables and wood/cardboard is common
• Search for a burrow in your garden, around out-houses or sheds

Another good way to measure the extent of the infestation in your house is to shine a torch in your attic at night time; rats are nocturnal, so the middle of the night is when they are busiest.

Better than cure

Prevention is better than cure,  or so the saying goes. Protecting your house from a rat infestation is relatively easy– repair holes and cracks in outer walls, including air bricks. Fix floorboards and skirting boards securely. Keep cupboards tidy and free of potential nesting materials.

Be vigilant

Be aware of signs of a rat infestation as not only can they cause accidents, but they also carry many diseases and bacteria.

While rats were the biggest carrier of the Black Plague, we are lucky to live in more sanitary times. However, wild rats can still be a danger to our health. Rat-bite fever and leptospirosis are both nasty ailments, and the latter could even lead to renal and liver failure. Shudder.

If you spot any wires that are suddenly fraying or damaged, be alert. Rats love to chew, and chewing through wires and cables could potentially lead to a house fire.

So, there you have it. If you believe you may have a rat infestation, get the problem under grips right away with Pest Control London. Here to make your life that little bit easier, and pest free.