Rats - shire-pest-solutions.co.uk

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.

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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. Ratwall 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 lost 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?

Rodents, particularly rats, are infamous for being carriers of numerous diseases and parasites that pose significant health risks to humans. These diseases are transmitted in various ways, and the presence of rats in a home or workplace can be a serious concern due to their ability to carry bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and helminths (worms).

How Do Rodents Transmit Disease?

Rodents can transmit diseases in several ways, including:

Inhalation or direct contact with rodent excreta (urine, feces, saliva).
Handling contaminated materials like hay or woodpiles, which may contain particles aerosolized from rodent urine.
Bites and scratches from infected rodents, which can transmit pathogens through saliva or skin punctures.
Contaminated food and water, which rodents may taint with their feces or urine.
Rodent ectoparasites such as fleas, ticks, mites, and lice can also carry diseases that are passed to humans.

Rats are often responsible for spreading disease to both humans and other animals through their parasitic infestations, which can further amplify the risks.

Diseases Linked to Rodents

Salmonellosis
Rodents can carry Salmonella bacteria, leading to food poisoning in humans. This infection can result in diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Common transmission occurs when humans consume food contaminated with rodent feces.
Leptospirosis
Caused by the Leptospira bacteria, leptospirosis is contracted through contact with the urine of infected animals. It can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, lead to Weil’s disease, resulting in organ failure and death.
Rat-Bite Fever
This infection is caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus bacteria and typically results from bites or scratches from an infected rat. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, and muscle pain, with more severe cases causing organ infections like pneumonia or meningitis.
Plague
The plague is most famously linked to rats. It is caused by Yersinia pestis and is transmitted through flea bites or handling infected rodents. Symptoms can vary, but they often include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and in some cases, septicemia or pneumonia.
Tularemia
A highly infectious disease caused by Francisella tularensis, which can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or insects that have fed on infected rodents. Symptoms include fever, ulcers, and swollen lymph glands, and the disease can be fatal if not treated.
Hantavirus
Hantavirus infections, spread through contact with rodent urine, saliva, or feces, can cause respiratory issues and, in severe cases, lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has a high fatality rate.
Bartonellosis
Caused by Bartonella bacteria, this disease can be transmitted by flea bites or direct contact with infected rodents. It is associated with symptoms like heart inflammation and eye problems.
Toxoplasmosis
Although primarily associated with cats, rodents can act as intermediate hosts for Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite. This can pose significant risks to pregnant women, causing severe birth defects or miscarriage.
Rat Tapeworm
Rats can harbor two types of tapeworms, Hymenolepis nana and H. diminuta. These worms can infect humans, especially in areas where rodent infestations are common, causing digestive issues and other complications.

Prevention and Protection

To reduce the risk of disease transmission from rats, it is crucial to take the following precautions:

Seal entry points to prevent rats from entering homes or businesses.
Keep food stored securely and ensure that trash is disposed of properly.
Regular cleaning and sanitizing areas where rodents may have been active.
Use traps or professional pest control services if infestations are suspected.
Wear protective gloves and masks when handling materials that may have been contaminated by rodent excreta.
Vaccination and antibiotics are available for certain diseases, and prompt medical attention is essential if exposed to potentially infected rodents.

Rats are more than just a nuisance—they can carry a range of serious diseases that pose a real risk to human health.

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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.