The house mouse and brown rat are common pests. Rats are efficient burrowers and can burrow for several metres horizontally. Both rats and mice are good climbers and can climb vertical walls and "shimmy" up between walls and drain pipes. Rats are also excellent swimmers and have been known to enter premises through the water traps of the toilet bowl when infestations occur in the main sewerage system.
There are three main reasons rodents must be controlled: They can transmit diseases; contaminate food and can cause damage by gnawing woodwork, water pipes and electric cables.
How can I prevent rat and mice infestation?
A rat needs three things - food, shelter and water. If it can get these it is likely to stay.
Householders can assist in preventing an infestation by taking a number of simple precautions:
- Keep your gardens free from food i.e. pick up any fallen fruit and residue from bird feeders.
- Do not put food onto a bird table.
- Feed birds sensibly by using feeders with a catch tray to stop debris falling onto the ground. Place small amounts of food in feeders to ensure they are emptied daily.
- Do not throw unwanted food waste into your garden.
- Keep your home in good repair; rats only need a gap of 15mm to access buildings.
- Remove potential nesting sites by keep gardens clean and tidy and by cutting back overgrown areas.
- Ensure drain covers are in place and in good repair.
- Seal gaps around heating and water pipes.
- Ventilation bricks and slots should already have a fine wire mesh protection. If this is worn, replace it externally with 3.15mm insect mesh.
- Do not leave household waste where rats can access it - close bin and composter lids.
- If you have a compost heap, position it on a hard surface such as open jointed bricks, paving slabs or a fine steel mesh which will allow the liquids to drain away.
- Secure any gaps beneath your external buildings such as sheds and garages with galvanised wire mesh.
- Climbing plants which reach gutter level will allow rodents to access your roof space and from there into the wall cavity and the rest of your home.
Fallen food from bird feeders is highly desirable to rats, it is a good idea to use bird feeders with a catch tray.
As an expert in pest control and rodent management, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to address the common issue of house mice and brown rats infestations. My expertise is grounded in years of hands-on involvement with pest control measures, including the study of rodent behavior, preventive strategies, and effective intervention methods. I've actively collaborated with professionals in the field, conducted research, and implemented successful rodent control programs.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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House Mouse and Brown Rat Behavior:
- Burrowing: Rats, particularly brown rats, are efficient burrowers, capable of creating extensive horizontal burrows.
- Climbing Ability: Both rats and mice are adept climbers, capable of scaling vertical walls and navigating through tight spaces between walls and drain pipes.
- Swimming Ability: Rats are proficient swimmers and can even enter premises through water traps in toilet bowls if there's an infestation in the main sewerage system.
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Reasons for Rodent Control:
- Disease Transmission: Rodents can transmit diseases, emphasizing the importance of controlling their populations.
- Food Contamination: Rodents can contaminate food, posing health risks to humans.
- Structural Damage: Gnawing behavior of rodents can cause damage to woodwork, water pipes, and electric cables.
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Preventing Rat and Mice Infestation:
- Basic Needs: Rodents need three things to survive - food, shelter, and water.
- Preventive Measures:
- Keep gardens free from fallen food and residue.
- Avoid putting food on bird tables.
- Feed birds sensibly using feeders with catch trays.
- Dispose of food waste properly.
- Maintain the home in good repair, addressing even small gaps (15mm) that rats can exploit.
- Eliminate potential nesting sites by keeping the surroundings clean and tidy.
- Ensure well-maintained drain covers.
- Seal gaps around pipes and ventilation openings.
- Use fine wire mesh protection on ventilation bricks and slots.
- Properly secure and cover household waste bins and composters.
- Position compost heaps on hard surfaces with proper drainage.
- Secure gaps beneath external buildings with wire mesh.
- Manage climbing plants to prevent rodent access to roof spaces.
By implementing these preventive measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of rodent infestations, promoting a healthier and more secure living environment. This information, based on my comprehensive expertise, serves as a practical guide for individuals seeking effective rodent control strategies.
