Beyond Origins the Discussion

Diy Pest Control - Rats And Mice

August 15th, 2008

There are lots of people who shiver at the thought of ever having a problem related to a mouse or rat.

These common rodent pests are normally the house mouse or the brown rat, the one that was widespread in the country many years ago was the black rat, fortunately these tend to be found in minor colonies in a few of the country’s ports.

Mice and rat Pest control products and techniques have been developed over the years fortunately to eradicate these rodent’s from most households.

A number of diseases can be implicated to rats as the carriers and this is probably why they are so despised, although some people keep them as pets.

The disease that most people will remember being taught at school though is about bubonic plague which ravaged England in the 17th century, continuing to about 1910.

Thankfully the disease is now eradicated but there are some parts of the world where it is still present. It is believed to have come from fleas on the black rat that carried it thankfully today there is a reduced risk of the plague in Great Britain, but none the less these visitors are definitely not welcomed in most houses or food establishments.

Even today though with conditions far more sanitary than every before, these unwelcome pests can still carry disease and bring it into the home so if you do suspect infestation make sure you take some Pest control advice which you can get from your local exterminator or Pest control shop .

Rats can carry food poisoning organisms for example salmonella, and food may also be contaminated by contact with the rats droppings, urine or other contaminated bodies.

One major concern of poisoning from rats is Weil’s disease this is found in some 70% of rats, this is a serious risk to people exposed to waters contaminated by infected rats.

These people could be sewer workers, water sport enthusiasts and even trainee army and sea cadets, who go on training weekends running through still water or ponds.

Mice and rat pest control is a serious issue if you have these rodent pests in your home, or if you are in contact with areas of water where you think there may be a chance of infection then proper precautions have to be taken.

Regarding your home there are plenty of pest control products available on the market today but follow instructions carefully, and always keep in a safe place.

The risk to the home is not restricted to disease however as damage to the home can be considerable as these rodents have incisor teeth that do not stop growing, so to wear them down they will chew on anything.

They will chew metal pipes, woodwork and electrical cables these may provide suitable gnawing surfaces, but can lead to costly damage and in some cases a serious fire risk which further increases the nuisance factor these rodents bring with them.

Many people use products off the shelf but some like to try their own DIY pest control, these are often done by placing traps to catch the rat or mouse.

It can be a serious problem as a female rat can have a litter of baby rats (called kittens) when only four months old. She may then carry on to having up to five litters (14 kittens) per year, and then as the baby grows the reproductive cycle starts again.

Mice produce even more if the conditions are ideal, one pair could produce 2,000 young per year so take action early as these pests are a lot harder to eradicate once established.

The house mouse loves warmth, shelter and food supply and will inhabit any building where it can find this. Normally sheds, outbuildings or old farm dwellings are favourite places, but given the chance they will readily inhabit your home.

The brown rat can normally be found living in underground burrows and have even colonized public sewers, but as the colony grows they get braver and will travel further in the search for food even becoming quite blatant even in human presence, particularly in heavily populated areas.

If they gain access to your home, they may take up residence in concealed spaces such as cavity walls and lofts so be on the look out.

Entry Filed under: Home Improvement