Rat removal - Crewe Pest Control

Rats – Rattus Norvegicus

Rats and the problems they bring are on the increase and can be found almost anywhere in the Crewe area. Pest control services are now busier than ever to help get rid of this pest, whether this is in the home or garden. We offer a service that is professional, friendly and affordable for the removal of this vermin.

Rat Control is now required more then ever due to their growing problem throughout the UK. Firstly they can pass on disease to humans by contaminating food or surfaces with urine, droppings and hairs. Rats, in particular, can pass on Leptospirosis, a disease that can lead to Weil’s disease and can be fatal to humans. Rats can also cause structural damage to property.

They are capable of gnawing a range of materials, including electric cables and wiring, which could cause fire or electrocution within the home or any building.

The brown rat is usually active at night and is a good swimmer, both on the surface and underwater, but unlike the related Black Rat (Rattus rattus), they are poor climbers. Brown rats dig well, and often excavate extensive burrow systems. A 2007 study found brown rats to possess metacognition, a mental ability previously only found in humans and some primates, but further analysis suggested they may have been following simple operant conditioning principles.

Characteristic & Life Cycle

One of the largest muroids, it is a brown or grey rodent with a body up to 25 cm (10 in) long, and a similar tail length; the male weighs on average 350 g (12 oz) and the female 250 g (9 oz). Thought to have originated in northern China, this rodent has now spread to all continents except Antarctica, and is the dominant rat in Europe and much of North America—making it the most successful mammal on the planet after humans.

Brown rats are capable of mating at three months. Females come into heat every 4 or 5 days. Females have an average of 3 - 7 litters per year with 6 - 12 pups per litter. Their eyes open at 6 days and they are fully furred by 15 days. After giving birth the female goes back into heat in 24 hours.

Control & Prevention

At Town & Country Pest Control we use a number of methods to control rats.

Poisoned Bait - The bait is placed in a protective box that only a rat can get into, thus ensuring that pets or any other species is protected from the poison. This is the best from of reducing an infestation within the home or building. This can take from a few days to a number of weeks to take effect.

Dogs – Trained terriers can be used to search and destroy any fleeing rat. The rat is pushed from its home using smoke. This method can only be used externally, but is instantaneous and shows great results.

Trapping – Traps can be positioned and once the rat is trapped it can then be removed from your premises.

Rats can squeeze through a hole of 13mm diameter, so prevention can be difficult to a determined rodent. The first line of defence against rats is to proof your home. It is important to seal any holes to the exterior (for example pipe work for washing machines and dishwashers) and fit bristle strip around doors and also check sewer pipes for cracks.

All rodents require a harbourage, food and water to survive, without one of these present then the infestation will not thrive and then die off. Therefore it is important not to attract Rats with food – where possible, store food in strong plastic or metal containers. Regularly cleaning is essential, behind fridges, under cookers and cupboards. For the outdoors, animals such as chicken, horses, etc will attract rats with their food and water.