Rats

Pests which are considered to be of public health significance, such as rats and mice are dealt with for free in domestic premises.

Signs of Rats

• The sighting of a rat is the best, and often the first, sign of an infestation. 
  
• Rat droppings may be noticed, they are on average 12mm long and are typically spindle shaped (that is tapering to a point at one or both ends). 
  
• Rat runs may be visable as a smooth pathway on bare earth or a depression in grass or other vegetation . 
  
• Rats are often attracted by a food source and care must be taken to avoid providing them with food such as excessive food for birds, domestic animal feed, compost etc.  Compost bins may be placed on a fine wire mesh base to prevent tunnelling from beneath.
  
• Rats are able to spread many diseases to man including Weils Disease, Salmonellosis, Plague and Musine Typhus. 
  
• Under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 occupiers of land have a duty to control the rats on their land.  This can be undertaken by your Local Authority. 

See the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section on this page for further information.

The following external link goes to rentokil's webpage on protecting your home and family from rats, including signs to look for, how to get rid of rats and professional rat control information
www.rentokil.co.uk/residential/rats/rats.php