LISA SALMON

With rodent numbers on the rise, finds out how to stop the pests moving into your home

THE number of enquiries about getting rid of rats and mice soared over the winter – possibly linked to climate change. Figures released by Rentokil Pest Control (rentokil. co.uk) show the number of householders and businesses asking how to get rid of rodents increased by 36% over the winter, compared to averages recorded over the past three years.

Colder winters usually mean fewer rodents, because they don’t survive the lower temperatures, but milder weather is apparently allowing more rodents to live, and long hot summers are creating perfect conditions for young mice and rats to leave the nest and breed rapidly.

“Last year’s summer was the hottest on record for the Northern Hemisphere, and the surge in rodent sightings this winter are a legacy of these conditions, as more young rodents survived through to adulthood and were then able to breed almost immediately,” explains Paul Blackhurst, head of Rentokil Pest Control’s Technical Academy.

“Rain and a drop in temperature cause rats and mice to migrate indoors, where there’s more food and shelter. With rain falling, it’s likely we’ll continue to record a rise in rodent enquiries as rats are displaced from their burrows,” he adds. “However, there are steps you can take to ensure pests are kept at bay.”

Signs of a rodent problem include an unusual, ammonia-like smell, small dark droppings, greasy marks on walls or skirting boards, and gnaw marks. Hearing scratching noises, especially at night, is also a sign of rats and mice, and their nocturnal nature means they can remain hidden for a long time before you begin to suspect they’ve invaded your home.

But rodents can potentially spread germs, and damage your property through gnawing, so if you suspect you have unwanted furry house guests, it’s a good idea to get rid of them quickly.

Prevention is always better than cure, however, and it’s an even better idea to try to stop rodents getting into your home in the first place. Here are the sensible ways to keep rats and mice out of your home – and what to do if they take up residence...

SEAL GAPS

MICE are capable of squeezing through gaps the size of a Biro to enter a building. So check around the outside of your home, particularly near pipes and drains, to make sure there are no holes. And if you see any, fill them with wire wool, caulk, metal kick plates or cement.

CLEAN UP AFTER EATING

A MOUSE only needs 3g of food per day, so simple measures like ensuring crumbs and dropped morsels aren’t left on the floor, and that all waste food is sealed and disposed of properly is crucial. Paul stresses: “The simple step of ensuring food and waste is properly sealed and stored can make a big difference.”

DON’T LEAVE FOOD OUT OVERNIGHT

IT’S easily done, but try not to leave food and leftovers out on the side in the kitchen. When the house is dark and quiet, mice will smell it and enjoy a feast.

ENSURE WASTE IS STORED AWAY WELL

MAKE sure rubbish is stored in a strong bin with a lid large enough to prevent waste from overflowing. Use strong plastic or metal containers for waste so rodents aren’t attracted to any smells, and don’t leave food waste in black bin bags on the floor.

“Rodents and other pests can easily tear through black bin liners to get to unwanted food,” Paul points out.

CUT OUT CLUTTER

MOVE storage away from walls where possible, and remember less clutter means fewer places for rodents to hide.

Seeing one rat or mouse is bad enough... but it usually means there are many more around

Leaving clutter round the place and even feeding the birds can be an invitation to pests