You may have seen a rat scurrying in your garden, lurking under your decking, or even going all UB40 in your kitchen.
Either way, it is always a sinking feeling when you do see one, hence the expression ‘rats’ also meaning an unfortunate and unforeseen piece of misfortune. Rats (usually the Brown Rat in mainland UK), can carry diseases which are harmful to humans which can contaminate your home or business.
Do not worry; having rats is not necessarily a reflection on you. Rats can invade areas of their own accord; they have proven over the years that they can manage pretty well without our help. However, if you have general waste in your garden, you over feed birds, or leave pet food lying around you are probably not helping to keep your property rodent free. Rats just seek a warm, dry sheltered environment and are enticed by the smell of our food, or food waste.
It’s also important to understand that we as responsible pest controllers can’t turn up and sprinkle rodenticide like pixie dust to improve your rat problem. Measures to decrease rodent numbers are equally as important. A range of control methods that does not solely rely on chemical control works best and reduces the impact on non-target species.
These include but are not limited to:
• Preventing rodent access to food and water
• Removal of harbourages (shelter) including; vegetation, debris, and equipment
• Proofing works; the use of rodent proof bins and compost bins
• Exclusion, works to deny access to your property.
• Trapping; the use of non-toxic bait which doesn’t have a detrimental impact on the environment or cause risk to children or pets.
• A chemical baiting programme.
Rodents breed rapidly, so if you think you have a problem it is especially important to contact us quickly. The SCH Better Places team has the technical knowledge and use of specialised products and equipment not available to the general public. Our three part treatments start from £100.
Residential customers in Solihull can call Solihull Council’s Connect service on 0121 704 8000 to book an appointment, commercial customers can fill out an online form or call 0121 779 8900.
