Having problems with rats?
Rats are close by If there is a food source nearby, then the Environmental Risk Assessment will look at ways to reduce or eliminate the food source. This could mean fixing the broken drain, removing the bird feeder, or cleaning up the garden.
- Access.
- The level of infestation.
- How widespread is the infestation?
- Wildlife (Prey Animals/birds).
Once the technician has established the possible causes, the location of the entry points and is the infestation inside, outside or both then we can make the appropriate recommendations on whether to use rodent traps or professional rodenticides.
Additional Information
There are three main application methods used to control rats and mice with rodenticide baits. These are:
- Loose baiting: loose bait made inaccessible to non-target species either by using it in secure premises or, elsewhere, by placing it under tiles, in pipes or using naturally occurring materials etc.
- Use of bait stations: bait applied in purpose-built bait stations is the most commonly used method by professional pest controllers but is not one that is compulsory in all circumstances.
- Hole or burrow baiting: loose bait applied directly into holes or burrows.
Remedy:
We can also be pro-active with rodent electronic monitoring to help you protect valuable assets and comply with legislation bringing in a new era in rodent control:
Cube: This is the heart of the system that houses,PIR sensor, night vision camera and sends alerts to your phone.and if set up pictures with date and time.You get a heartbeat sent to you telling you the battery strength and signal.
Tags: Up to 10 tags connect to the traps and sends a signal to the cube that it has gone off.
Alerts: As soon as the Tag is triggered by the trap going off, it sends a message to the app on your phone within 120 seconds to say that a trap has been set off.
The benefits of this is that it checks the traps every minute and alerts straight away making us more efficient.
Once we are sure environmental factors have been check and no wildlife will be harmed we will place down baits/traps at all the relevant locations throughout the property as to manage the infestation safety.
Approved installers for the stainless steel rat blocker for domestic underground drains:
Ratwall is a cost-effective and robust stainless steel Rat Blocker that is ideal for installation into underground drains. It can be installed by hand or from street level and has a unique low force fit. Ratwall is suitable for plastic, clay and cast iron drains. Ratwall has a unique external hinge allowing maximum waste flow. The external hinge block ensures that the unit cannot become dislodged and fall into the sewer pipe.
Follow-up visits
This visit may take place depending on levels of activity, sightings, whether traps or bait have been used. In most instances, after 7-14 days you should notice a significant decline in activity and sightings. Your Pest Technician will decide on whether he needs to continue with more follow-up visits until the problem has been sorted. We will try to determine potential entry points and do these pose any future risk of access or infestation. If entry points need to be blocked there may be a charge for the materials used(i.e Drain blockers).
Weil’s Disease
Leptospirosis is spread through rat or animal fluids, and can enter the human body through small cuts in the skin or through the eyes, nose and mouth.
Symptoms include fever, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Do Rats Carry Diseases?
These rodents carry a wide range of diseases that pose serious health risks to humans and pets. When they infest homes, businesses, or farms, they introduce bacteria, viruses, and parasites into living environments.
How Do Rats Spread Disease?
They transmit disease in several ways. These include direct contact with their bodily fluids, indirect contact with contaminated materials, and via parasites that live on them. In every case, early detection and control are essential.
Key transmission methods include:
- Inhalation or skin contact with rat urine, faeces, or saliva
- Contaminated food or surfaces, where droppings or urine have been left behind
- Bites and scratches, which allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream
- Rodent-borne parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites, and lice
Because these pests adapt quickly, they often go unnoticed until an infestation takes hold. However, the diseases they carry can be severe or even fatal.
Major Diseases Linked to Rats
1. Salmonellosis
This infection occurs when rats contaminate food or water with faeces.
Symptoms: Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.
Risk: High in places with poor food storage or hygiene.
2. Leptospirosis
Caused by the Leptospira bacteria, it spreads via rat urine—especially through cuts or mucous membranes.
Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, vomiting, and headaches.
In severe cases, it progresses to Weil’s disease, which may result in liver failure or death.
3. Rat-Bite Fever
Humans contract this through bites, scratches, or contact with a dead rat.
Causes: Streptobacillus moniliformis or Spirillum minus.
Symptoms: Fever, rash, vomiting, and muscle pain.
Complications: If untreated, it may cause heart, lung, or brain infections.
4. Plague
Although rare in the UK today, plague is historically associated with rats.
Transmission: Through fleas that feed on infected rats.
Symptoms: Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and in severe cases, sepsis or pneumonia.
Notable: The Black Death, which killed millions, was a rat-borne epidemic.
5. Tularemia
This highly infectious disease spreads through direct contact with rodents or via biting insects.
Caused by: Francisella tularensis bacteria.
Symptoms: Ulcers, fever, fatigue, and swollen glands.
If untreated, tularemia can be fatal.
Other Health Risks from Rats
6. Hantavirus
Airborne particles from dried urine, droppings, or saliva can carry hantavirus.
Exposure: Often occurs while sweeping contaminated sheds, attics, or garages.
Symptoms: Fatigue, fever, muscle aches, followed by coughing and difficulty breathing.
Severe Cases: Can progress to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has a high fatality rate.
7. Bartonellosis
Transmitted via fleas from infected rats.
Symptoms: Fever, skin inflammation, fatigue, and heart or eye complications.
While it’s uncommon, early diagnosis remains vital.
8. Toxoplasmosis
Although more common in cats, rats also act as carriers of Toxoplasma gondii.
Symptoms: Muscle pain, swollen glands, and flu-like effects.
Danger: For pregnant women, this parasite can lead to miscarriage or birth defects.
9. Rat Tapeworm
Two common species—Hymenolepis nana and H. diminuta—are found in rats.
Transmission: Humans become infected after ingesting eggs from contaminated surfaces or food.
Symptoms: Digestive issues, weight loss, irritability, and nutrient deficiencies.
Treatment: Antiparasitic medication works quickly and effectively.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Property
Since rats are widespread in towns, rural properties, and even new developments, it’s important to take action before an infestation grows. Here’s what you can do:
1. Block Entry Points
Rats can squeeze through holes as small as 6mm. Seal gaps around doors, pipes, vents, and roofing.
2. Store Food Safely
Use sealed containers for all food, including pet supplies. Avoid leaving food out overnight.
3. Dispose of Rubbish Properly
Keep bins lidded and away from walls or doors. Remove waste regularly and clean bins often.
4. Maintain Outdoor Areas
Remove clutter, tall grass, and stacked wood. These places offer perfect nesting sites.
5. Clean Regularly
Sanitise kitchens, storage areas, and high-risk zones. Always wear gloves when cleaning areas with droppings or urine.
6. Hire a Professional
DIY methods often miss the source of the infestation. Moreover, poisons may put pets and children at risk. A licensed pest controller ensures safe, targeted treatment.
Shire Pest Solutions serves homes and businesses in Didcot, Wallingford, and across Oxfordshire. We provide fast, discreet, and compliant rat control services—without compromise.
Why Timely Action Matters
Rodents reproduce rapidly. A single pair of rats can produce hundreds of offspring in a year. As their numbers grow, the risk of disease exposure rises sharply. Acting early prevents further contamination, protects health, and keeps pest control costs lower.
If you’ve noticed signs of infestation—such as droppings, scratching noises, or gnaw marks—don’t delay. Seek expert advice immediately. Regular inspections and professional treatments are often the only way to guarantee lasting protection.
Request a Quote Today
Reach Us
Location :
4 Compton Close, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7HD
Email :
office@shire-pest-solutions.co.uk
Phone :
01235399073
Rats FAQ
1. What are the common signs of a rat infestation?
Typical signs include droppings, gnaw marks, scratching noises in walls or ceilings, greasy smear marks along skirting boards, nests made from shredded material, and sightings of live or dead rats.
2. Are rats dangerous to humans?
Yes. Rats carry and transmit serious diseases such as Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), Salmonella, and Hantavirus. Their droppings and urine can contaminate food and surfaces, posing a significant health risk.
3. How do rats get into buildings?
Rats can enter through gaps as small as 15mm. They may come in via broken vents, drains, gaps under doors, holes in walls, or damaged pipework. Poor waste management can also attract them to a property.
4. Can I get rid of rats myself?
While DIY traps and poisons may reduce numbers temporarily, they rarely resolve the root cause. Professional pest control ensures a full inspection, safe treatment, and long-term prevention of future infestations.
5. Do you provide rat control in my area?
Yes, Shire Pest Solutions offers expert rat control services across Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Contact us for fast, effective and discreet treatment.
More About Shire Pest Solutions
Shire Pest Solutions is a trusted and local pest control company proudly serving homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond. With a reputation built on professionalism, reliability, and fast response times, we specialise in the safe and effective removal of pests including ants, wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and more.
Our expert technicians are fully qualified and equipped with the latest tools and treatments to ensure pest problems are resolved quickly and safely—without unnecessary disruption. Whether it’s a minor domestic issue or a large-scale commercial infestation, we tailor our services to meet your needs with minimal fuss and maximum effectiveness.
Based locally, we regularly assist customers in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our knowledge of the local area enables us to provide rapid call-outs and treatments that are suited to the unique pest challenges of each location.
At Shire Pest Solutions, we don’t just eliminate pests—we help prevent them from returning. With transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and a dedication to customer satisfaction, we are the go-to pest control provider for homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike.
Get in touch today to arrange a call-out or learn more about our pest control services across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
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