Malmesbury Rat Catchers (SN16): Though it's not all that common these days, discovering rats in your garden or even inside your property in Malmesbury is not a pleasant thing to go through. One single sighting of a rat shouldn't be too much of a concern, however, if you spot rats more regularly or see several rats you could be heading for trouble because they breed so fast.
If you do notice rats in Malmesbury, the probability is that they will be brown rats, though there are actually two kinds of rats currently found in Great Britain; black (or ship) rats and brown (or common) rats. As you may know black rats were responsible for the Great Plague (17th C) during which period they were extremely common. Black rats are relatively rare now but in fact neither breed is a native of the United Kingdom, both arriving from Asia.
The longest of the 2 rats is the common brown at approximately 9 inches, while the black only measures 5-7" long. Brown rats may cause damage as they have to continuously gnaw at things to stop their teeth from growing too long. Wooden items are especially prone to their attention.
An infestation of rats may cause a number of issues for business and home owners in Malmesbury, they will leave behind droppings, gnaw their way through pipes, wires, woodwork and insulation, spread disease, and get up to all sorts of mischief. The local authority really should be notified when there are frequent incidences of rats. You could also report a rat problem on the .gov web page HERE.
You will in some cases discover the presence of rats not in fact by observing them, but by their indicating their activity in other ways. It is possible you may stumble upon a rat's nest hidden away, you could observe holes chewed into floorboards or skirting boards, you could hear noises coming from a wall, loft or floor or you may find droppings in cupboards or on the floor.
Unless you wish to wait around for the local authorities to control this problem you could always call in local Malmesbury rat catcher or pest controller who will be a specialist in the business of pest removal. There aren't too many folks these days who only specialise in issues with rats, you can also bring them in if you've got moles digging up your lawn or perhaps a wasps nest in your walls.
Diseases Spread by Rats
Humans can contract various diseases from rats, with their faeces, urine and saliva being the main sources of transmission. Some of the diseases that rats can transmit to humans include hantavirus, rat-bite fever, leptospirosis and salmonellosis.
A rat scratch or bite can transmit the bacterial infection known as rat-bite fever, which can cause fever, rashes and vomiting. Abdominal cramps, fever and diarrhea are symptoms of the bacterial infection known as salmonellosis. Liver and kidney failure are potential outcomes of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can also cause symptoms resembling the flu. A severe respiratory illness that can lead to fatality can be caused by hantavirus.
Preventing and controlling rat infestations is a crucial step in reducing the risk of disease transmission. Also, rat urine and droppings have the ability to contaminate food and water sources, thereby further increasing the risk of disease transmission. Rodent-proofing and proper sanitation are key components of effective rat control measures that can prevent and decrease the spread of these diseases and the risk of rat infestations.
Species of Rat
You're only likely to encounter two kinds of rat in Malmesbury, Wiltshire or anyplace in the United Kingdom. The Brown Rat and the Black Rat.
The Brown Rat (Rattus Norvegicus)
In Malmesbury, the remainder of the UK and Europe the most widespread type of rat is the brown rat (sewer rat, common rat, street rat or Norwegian Rat (Rattus Norvegicus)), this is what you'll most likely see in your home or garden. This brown or grey coloured rodent grows to lengths of 4" to 9" (plus tail) and weight about 140 to 500g. Nowadays understood to have originally come from Central Asia (possibly China), it was once assumed to have come from Norway. Brown rats are omniverous (consume practically anything) although their favourite is cereal grains, they have excellent hearing but bad eyesight, the female rats reach sexual maturity in five weeks and often produce 5 litters a year (with up to 14 young in each), they climb well and dig burrows.
The Black Rat
The black rat, roof rat or ship rat (Rattus Rattus) is also not a native of Britain, arriving from Southeast Asia (India). It is regarded as having spread throughout Europe during the time of the Roman Empire, almost certainly traveling in spice shipments. At one time common in the British Isles, this rat disappeared as the brown rat took over. The black rat attains lengths of 5" to 7" and usually weighs 75-230 grammes. Black rats have a reputation for spreading many diseases, especially listeria, rat bite fever, bubonic plague, toxoplasmosis, Weil's disease, salmonella, trichinosis, tularemia and typhus.
Rat Poison
One somewhat unpleasant way to solve a rat problem is to employ poison. A rat dies several days after ingesting a poison laced bait, normally wheat. A substantial accumulation of rats can be eliminated by this procedure providing the poison bait is set correctly. Toxic components that are employed in making rat poisons include: difenacoum, bromadioline or brodifacoum. Be careful to keep this out of reach of dogs, cats and other pets. Brands of rat poison in Great Britain include the likes of: Propest, Pest Expert, Elixir Gardens, Roshield, Rentokil and RatKil.
Rat Bite Wounds
Although, in the United Kingdom, bites from rats aren't all that common, they do happen on occasion, and the consequences can be serious in some scenarios. Rats can bite humans if they feel cornered or threatened, therefore in a confined space it's advisable to stay out of their way, and leave them a clear exit route.
Quite a few incidents of rat bites come about where rats are being kept as pets (really?), and pushing your hand into a rat's cage is asking for trouble. Rat bites aren't always serious, though should be avoided where possible, and they can become infected or be life threatening if they turn into "rat bite fever". "Rat bite fever" (RBF), if left untreated, has a 10% mortality rate.
Signs of Rat Bite Fever - The signs and symptoms of "rat bite fever" (streptobacillary RBF) include:
- Vomiting
- Swelling or Redness
- Joint Pain
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Rashes
If you're unlucky enough to receive a rat bite, wash the wound in warm water, apply some antibiotic ointment, and cover the affected area with a bandage. Even if you don't consider that it's too severe, you must get it looked at by your nearest hospital A&E unit, or make an appointment at your local doctor's surgery. If it is five years or more since you had your last vaccination for tetanus, you must get one of these done as well, since rat bites can become a cause of infection.
Problems With Moles
Whilst not such a common pest nowadays moles may also be controlled by rat catchers. Causing quite different issues than rats, moles are not quite as despised. It is out in the garden where you may have troubles with moles, and lawns in particular are susceptible. The recognizable sight of earth mounds in the middle of a nicely mown lawn are plain proof of mole activity. Moles are often captured in traps and released somewhere else, if you prefer a humane method. (Tags: Mole Trapping Malmesbury, Molecatchers Malmesbury)
Problems With Mice
Perhaps regarded by many people to be not as uncomfortable as rats, uncovering mice scuttling around your house can cause just as many issues. Like rats, mice leave droppings, breed quickly, gnaw at things, contaminate foodstuffs and are basically an annoyance. The approaches for mouse infestations in Malmesbury are pretty much the same as the ones employed for rats ie setting traps and poisoning. No matter if you've got a problem with rats or mice, stop by at BARK to obtain a local Malmesbury pest controller to sort it out for you.
What Attracts Mice and Rats?
Regardless of their seemingly cute appearance, with their furry bodies, pointy faces and twitching whiskers, mice and rats can be dangerous and are not animals that you want to be making a home in your house or garden in Malmesbury. By chewing through insulation materials, floorboards, electric wires and plastic, mice and rats can cause accidents and in particular electrical fires. Spreading the likes of listeria, rat bite fever, bubonic plague, toxoplasmosis, Weil's disease, salmonella, trichinosis, tularemia and typhus, mice and rats can cause more than 30 different kinds of disease. Several different things will attract mice and rats to your garden or home including:
- TRASH - Accumulations of junk and garden waste piled up on your property (particularly in the garden) will certainly attract mice and rats.
- ENTRY POINTS AND HOLES - Mice and rats can crawl through the smallest of cracks and holes, so watch out for gaps around roof vents, crawl spaces, pipework and entrances.
- CLUTTER - General jumble and clutter in an attic, storage shed or cellar will be especially attractive to rodents, especially if there's a food source nearby.
- PET WASTE/COMPOST - Surprisingly compost heaps and even pet waste can attract rats and mice - there are likely to be some tasty titbits hiding in there!
- WATER - Constantly active rats and mice have to drink like any other living creature, therefore sources of water such as birdbaths, leaking pipes, pet water bowls and dripping sprinkler systems are a big attraction for these pests.
- FOOD - Food that is left lying around or discarded is one of the principal attractions for rats and mice.
Have You Got Rats?
There are numerous ways by which you can find out when you've got rats. When you have some suspicions that there may be rats in your home or business you can keep your eyes open for droppings (faeces), they look like large grains of rice and are darkish brown, be on the lookout for burrows or holes near to solid surfaces, watch for rub marks on skirtings and walls where greasy fur has left marks, listen out for continual scratching noises emanating from roofs and walls, in particular at nighttime, pay attention to gnawing in wires, cables and wood, particularly in attics, try to find signs of footprints or tail trails in dusty areas or on loose soil.
Burrows
A thing that rats like to do is dig burrows, and the area that they most like to dig is next to and beneath solid objects or structures such as garages, garden sheds, walkways and patios. These are often not simple holes in the ground, but rather extensive systems of burrows, designed to use as nesting places, food storage and shelter. A sure sign of a rat burrow is usually a smooth sided hole near to a solid surface, where the movement of furry animals have polished the entrance hole. The entrances to rat burrows are commonly approximately two to four inches in diameter. You should check if rats are still there by partially blocking the entrance hole to see if they come back and remove it.
General Pest Control in Malmesbury
Pest control is important for maintaining a pest-free environment and safeguarding your property and health. It involves the prevention and management of common pests such as cockroaches, ants, rats, spiders and flies. Effective pest control procedures include frequent inspections, maintaining cleanliness, sealing potential entry points, correct waste management, and utilising insecticides or traps when required. Minimising the use of chemicals is a key objective of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) techniques, which emphasise sustainable and eco-friendly approaches. A safer and healthier living or working environment for themselves and those around them can be achieved by individuals in Malmesbury through the implementation of extensive pest control techniques. Addressing existing pest issues and providing a proactive defense against potential infestations, these strategies ensure long-term pest-free surroundings. (33117 - General Pest Control Malmesbury)
In Conclusion
People with a rat problem in Malmesbury are occasionally tempted to have a crack at resolving it themselves. Therefore, if you find yourself in this situation, what should you do? There are a number of products offered to help you accomplish this and you can find rat poisons, rat traps and similar products in supermarkets, hardware stores and shops in and around Malmesbury.
Bringing in an expert Malmesbury rat exterminator would however be preferable, unless of course you know precisely what you're up to, seeing that the right approach isn't necessarily the obvious one.
Due to the risks to children and pets, the newcomer's use of rat poison is not really advised, and is often not effective in any case. You'd be much better off enlisting the help of an expert when you want rat control in Malmesbury.
Pest Control Services Malmesbury
Malmesbury rat catchers will likely help you with pest control services, bed bug heat treatments, bed bugs pest control, rat extermination, fox pest control Malmesbury, cockroach control in Malmesbury, pigeon pest control, bird pest control Malmesbury, pest netting, pest control for fleas, rat deterrents, powder treatments (for wasps nest), bird nest clearance, domestic pest control, domestic rat control, wasp nest removal, ultrasonic pest control, bird dropping clearance in Malmesbury, thermal imaging surveys in Malmesbury, pest extermination Malmesbury, rat catching in Malmesbury, residential pest control, mouse control, pest control Malmesbury, preventive pest control Malmesbury, ants pest control in Malmesbury, pest removal, anti-bird spike installation, bird proofing and other pest control in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Listed are just a selection of the duties that are performed by those installing pest control. Malmesbury contractors will be happy to tell you about their full range of pest control services.
Pest Control Near Malmesbury
Also find: Minety rat catchers, Little Somerford rat catchers, Brokenborough rat catchers, Great Somerford rat catchers, Lea rat catchers, Sherston rat catchers, Brinkworth rat catchers, Corston rat catchers, Poole Keynes rat catchers, Long Newnton rat catchers, Westonbirt rat catchers, Shipton Moyne rat catchers, Crudwell rat catchers, Oaksey rat catchers and more. It is possible to get pest control services in most of these towns and villages. Bringing a wealth of expertise and know-how, these professional pest controllers ensure the effective and efficient resolution of your rat problem. These professional pest controllers are equipped with both the equipment and skills needed to effectively and promptly tackle any issue, from a single rat to a full-blown infestation. Local home and property owners can get pest control quotes by going here.
Other Pests in Malmesbury: Also pest control help with pigeons in Malmesbury, carpet beetles in Malmesbury, moles in Malmesbury, rabbits in Malmesbury, wasps in Malmesbury, silverfish in Malmesbury, ants in Malmesbury, hornets in Malmesbury, clothes moths in Malmesbury, fleas in Malmesbury, mice in Malmesbury, cockroaches in Malmesbury, bedbugs in Malmesbury, bees in Malmesbury Wiltshire.
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