Rodent Infestations – Rats and Mice

We deal with lots of different creatures, but rats and mice are some of the most common.  In autumn and winter we get lots of calls as rodents move in to people’s homes to escape the cold, and heavy rain and government cuts are also having an impact.  Many areas of the country have fewer (or no) council pest controllers, so companies like us are picking up the slack to deal with rat and mouse infestations.


The Archetypal London Pest

Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Chances are, when you think of London pests you think of rats (or possibly pigeons).  There are around 7.5 million rats in London, and many more in other areas of the South East like Hertfordshire and Essex.  People say you are never more than 20 feet from a rat in the capital, but mice are a huge problem too.  Four of the ten areas of the country identified by the BPCA as having the most mouse problems in 2010-11 were London Boroughs: Camden, Hackney, Southwark and Tower Hamlets.


Damaging to Homes and Businesses

Having rodents in your house or workplace is unpleasant and can have huge effects on your property.  Both rats and mice gnaw constantly to wear down their teeth, which means they can cause huge damage to wood, skirting boards and wiring.  If your house or business premises need rewiring after an infestation it can run into thousands of pounds, and this won’t always be covered by your insurance.  The pests have also been known to bite through electrical cables, cause fires and short out equipment.
Rodents pose a significant health risk. Rats and mice spread diseases like food poisoning, Weil’s disease, trichinosis, murine typhus, rat bite fever and leptospirosis.  Fear of rodents is one of the most common phobias, so this can add a psychological dimension to the problem.


Expert Pest Control for Rodent Infestations

House mouse (Mus domesticus)

Houses and businesses usually have rat or mouse infestations because the pests get into the building through gaps or holes.  Our four part treatment process deals with the rodents you currently have, but also blocks these entry routes to stop them coming back:


Step 1:     Thoroughly investigate the source of the mouse or rat infestation, examining holes, droppings, runs, smear marks, damage, tracks, nests and sightings of rodents (dead or alive).

Step 2:     Seal all visible small gaps and holes and give advice if there are any large holes that may require more extensive repairs to stop pests entering.

Step 3:     Provide three or four regular treatments with tamper resistant baits over a four to six week period.

Step 4:     Remove bait stations at the end of treatment, ensuring the rodents are gone.


We can also give you advice on proofing your property against rodents before you have a problem.


Whether you’re a home or business owner, get in touch as soon as you see a rat or mouse.  We’ll get it sorted quickly and effectively, using scientific knowledge and the latest technologies.