Rodents

There are various actions we can take in relation to rats and mice. Read more information below.

Jump to Mice.

Mice

Description

The 2 types of mice in Britain, which can become pests are: -

•The house mouse

•The long tailed field mouse

The adult house mouse may weigh up to 50 grammes (nearly 2 ounces); usually has brown fur on its back and is grey underneath; its ears are fairly large in relation to its body and its feet are small. The tail is the same length as the head and body but is much thinner than the tail of a young rat.

Distribution

Mice are widely distributed throughout urban areas and in farm buildings. The long-tailed field mouse is common on agricultural land but is not generally considered a pest unless it takes up residence indoors.

The house mouse is a more common domestic pest which will nest in partitions, floors and behind wall boarding. Mice are most active at night and will range over a very small area if food is plentiful. They are less dependent on water and will normally obtain sufficient moisture from their food.

Significance

Mice, like rats, are a major hazard to health. They are responsible for the spread of many diseases some of which can even be fatal to man. They eat food which may be intended for human consumption and contaminate much more with their urine, droppings and fur, which must then be disposed of. Mice will also cause structural damage to property by gnawing through woodwork, wires, pipes and household items.

Lifecycle

The life expectancy of mice is around one year during which time a female may breed up to six times. The average size of a litter is six. Breeding occurs throughout the year but especially in the Spring and Autumn.

Control

You will need professional help in controlling colonies of mice.

They are particularly difficult to control because of the rate at which they breed and are able to colonise new areas.

By ensuring that your premises are in good repair and that no food is left around the house or garden you will prevent mice from being encouraged onto your property.

In the event of infestation, our Pest Control Contractor will survey the area to determine the size of the colony and the most appropriate control measures.

Poison baits will normally be laid where mice have been active. The bait should be left undisturbed until the technician returns to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Safety

All pesticides are applied by qualified and experienced contractors to ensure the safety of the public and to minimise damage to the environment.

Top

Rats

Description

Britain is home to 2 kinds of rats:

•The common rat (brown rat)

•The ship rat (black rat)

The adult common rat may weigh from 100 to 500 grammes and has brown fur on its back and grey underneath; its tail is shorter than its head and body. The ship rat, which is far less common, is smaller and more lightly built weighing only between 100 and 300 grammes; it may have black or brown fur, has large almost hairless ears and has a tail which is longer than the head and body, giving it greater agility.

Distribution

The common rat is the most abundant and widespread species and can be found anywhere that offers shelter and food - including sewers. They are efficient burrowers and favour compost heaps and the ground underneath hedges and sheds where they will dig shallow burrows and form nests with dry grass and leaves. In houses they will nest in wall cavities and beneath floorboards. Ship rats will normally be found indoors, mainly in port areas, but they may be transported inland, with cargo. Being agile climbers and jumpers, ship rats will often nest in roof spaces and upper floors.

Both species of rat are active mainly at night but may be seen in search of food and water during the day.

Significance

Rats are a major hazard to health. They spread many forms of disease, some of which can be fatal to man such as Weils' Disease. They may eat food which is intended for human consumption and they often damage much more which then has to be discarded. Through their gnawing habit they also cause considerable structural damage to woodwork, waterpipes, electric cables and so on, and have been known to start electrical fires.

Lifecycle

The life expectancy of rats is around one year during which time a female will typically breed five times. The average size of a litter is between seven and eight. Breeding occurs throughout the year but especially in the spring and autumn.

Control

You will need professional help in controlling colonies of rats. Their ability to burrow, climb and jump, and the speed with which they breed and form new colonies, make rats difficult to control.

You can assist us by ensuring that your premises are in good repair making it difficult for rats to gain access, and by removing any sources of food and water or clearing areas which may offer shelter or nesting materials such as piles of timber or any areas of your garden which are overgrown.

In the event of infestation our Pest Control Contractor will visit and survey the area to determine the most appropriate control measures which may include the laying of poison baits along rat runs and in the drainage system.

The baits must be left undisturbed and will be examined by the technician when a re-visit is made.

Safety

All pesticides are applied by qualified and experienced contractors/staff to ensure the safety of the public and to minimise damage to the environment.