Rodents on the Rise

UK households are experiencing a dramatic increase in rodent infestations. The latest figures show that during the first ten months of 2007, call-outs for pest control of rat and mice infestations more than doubled the volume received for the whole of 2005.

The rodent problems have this year been exacerbated by a number of other factors including changing weather patterns, the growing amount of litter on our streets and changing lifestyle factors such as the trend for more people to have decking in their gardens. The recent flooding has also resulted in vermin scuttling for shelter and in many cases choosing our homes.

We expect to see mice and rat problems peak in certain months of the year such as October and November; however demand for pest control has been consistently high throughout most of 2007.

As well as cooler weather forcing rodents into our homes, the trend for home improvements such as decking can also lead to rodents taking up residence a little too close for comfort. Fallen leaves make comfortable nests, food scraps can fall through the gaps and decks also offer protection from cats and foxes.

Long considered pests, mice and rats are receiving increased attention because of the potential for disease they or their droppings and urine can carry, including salmonella. They also can transmit parasites such as ringworm, mites, tapeworms and ticks to humans and pets.

Now, with winter settling in, these rodents are looking for a warm place with food to call home for a few months, and can turn up even in apparently well-sealed houses or buildings.

If you have rats or mice in your home, it's important to act quickly because they not only cause damage but they also carry diseases. Suggestions to combat rodents in your home:

Seal off routes of pest entry including gaps in walls, pipes, pavement and other surfaces.
Eliminate food scraps and store food to prevent access.
Keep all pet food off the floor and sealed in hard containers with tight-fitting lids.
Set mouse traps in those areas where the largest amount of droppings is found.
Bait traps with peanut butter and place facing the wall.
Remove captured mice by using plastic bag turned inside out over the hand.
Use a series of traps if population warrants.
Disinfect the site with bleach.

SDA Pest Control, "Long Acre", Bluntisham Road, Needingworth, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire
01480 465684