Rats and Mice in The Garden
Growing Problem of Rats and Mice
It's estimated that in some UK cities, people are never more than 20 yards from a rat. In fact, based on the number of Pest Controller callouts in recent years, rat and mouse infestations appear to be increasing alarmingly.
If you leave food out in your garden for birds or other wildlife or any edible waste where it is easy to get at, chances are that rats or mice will take advantage of the free meal sooner or later.
Having said that, if there is a noticeable presence in your garden, you need to act quickly before the infestation gets out of hand. Both rats and mice are prolific breeders and they mature quickly to carry on breeding.
If you think you have a problem in your garden, you should take extra care to secure your home. Rodents can squeeze through remarkably small holes to gain access especially young ones.
Pay particular attention to obvious entry points such as doors, windows, ventilation channels and drains. Don't forget access you have provided for more welcome guests such as door flaps for cats or dogs.
If you are unfortunate enough to have rodents in the house, then you must treat the problem seriously. As well as fleas they also carry a variety of infections that are harmful to humans.
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Health Risks from Rats and Mice
Rats and mice represent a significant health risk to humans. Amongst the diseases they carry are:
- E.coli
- Salmonella
- Typhoid
- Tuberculosis.
- Weil's disease
- Fleas
They will obviously visit any place where there is food available, which means they contaminate work surfaces in kitchens and larders.
The brown rat is the most common in the UK. They normally prefer to live outside in sheds, compost heaps or anywhere that is reasonably dry and well hidden. However, if they can, they will get into the home looking for food, but then they will usually leave again.
Mice, on the other hand, are only too happy to take up residence in your home. They search out anything in the house that is edible and often cause damage whilst doing so. They contaminate work surfaces, floors, food and water by urinating and defecating everywhere they go.
If you suspect mice or rats are already in your home and you are unsure how to deal with them, you would be well advised to seek professional help as soon as possible. The local council may be able to help or contact one of our advertisers.
Telltale Signs of Rats and Mice
Rats and mice usually try to avoid the attention of humans and therefore they may be around for some time before you become aware of them. However, there are telltale signs and it is worth keeping an eye open for them.
Some of the first signs you will see are items that have been damaged by rats or mice, such as food packaging and even tooth marks on wood and plastic items.
Rats have been known to gnaw through electrical cables causing short circuits and even fires.
You may find droppings left behind by the creatures as they visit various parts of the garden or home.
You may come across nests, though they are usually well hidden in some warm and sheltered place. Nests are typically constructed from shredded material such as paper or other soft materials.
Rats and mice leave telltale smells. Mice have a rather musky odour and rats have something of an ammonia smell about them.
As they move around, you may well be able to hear them scratching under floors or decking.