Increased rat sightings in Solihull.
Although not uncommon for the time of year, rat sightings and reports to the Better Places team have increased as the relatively milder seasonal temperatures set in.
Rats (usually the Brown Rat in mainland UK), can carry diseases which are harmful to humans, which may contaminate your home or business. These pests can also cause damage to surrounding properties as they search for food, water and harbourage.
What to look out for?
Rats seek a warm, dry sheltered environment and are enticed by the smell of our food, or food waste. In an external environment rats can create pathways, burrows, scuffs and scrapings which are all tell-tale signs of rodent activity.
Prevention is often better than the cure!
It is also important to understand that we act as responsible pest controllers who cannot use copious amounts of rodenticide to improve your rat problem. Measures to decrease rat numbers are equally as important. 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 or premises rodent free.
Further preventative measures include:
• 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.
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.
We offer chemical baiting programmes, trapping, or the use of non-toxic bait which do not detrimentally impact on the environment or cause risk to children or pets.
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.
