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Rat Control Guide

Everything you need to know about Rat control and how to get rid of Rats.

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What is a Rat?

In scientific usage, the term Rat applies to any of 56 thin-tailed, medium-sized rodent species in the genus Rattus native to continental Asia and the adjacent islands of Southeast Asia eastward to the Australia-New Guinea region. A few species have spread far beyond their native range in close association with people.

How many species of Rat are there in the UK and which are responsible for infestation in houses?

There are two species of Rat in the UK, both of which are primarily responsible for infestation issues.

  • The Brown Rat; also known as the Norway rat, and the house rat. 
  • The Black Rat; also known as the ship rat, or roof rat.

Both species live virtually everywhere that human populations have settled. However the Brown Rat is the most common in the uk.

Information, Appearance and Identification.

Read more about the main three moths that cause infestation problems and how to spot and differentiate them from other insects.

Need Help Identifying a Pest?

Read more about the Rats that cause infestation problems and how to spot and differentiate them.

The Brown Rat: 

Also known as Rattus Norvegicus, is the most common in the UK. These rodents have a pointed nose and a blunt nose; their head and body can grow up to 25 cm, and their tail up to 21cm. Brown rats are commonly found in sewers, burrows, and nests.

The Black Rat:

The Black Rat, also known as Rattus rattus, is another rat found in the UK. These rats have a pointed nose, large ears, and a slender body with a long tail, which can grow up to 24cm. Black rats are agile climbers capable of scaling vertical walls and trees. 

The White-Shouldered House Moth: Also called Endrosis sarcitrella, is a relatively small, beige, and white moth, which does well in humid climates. These insects were once the scourge of all manner of textiles within the home; clothing and wallpaper mainly, however due to innovations in modern technology, which have made it more and more difficult for white-shouldered house moth and white-shouldered house moth larvae to survive in our homes, they’re not as common as they once were.

What other Rodents can be mistaken for Rats in the UK?

There are a number of other species of rodent that are commonly mistaken for Rats. They include;

    • Mice
    • House Mice
    • Voles
    • Shrews

Where are Rats found?

  • Brown Rats: are typically associated with farms, rubbish tips, sewers, urban waterways and warehouses but they also live in hedgerows and cereal crops. They dig burrows in banks, leaving heaps of earth nearby.
  • Black Rats: Are able to adapt to a wide range of habitats. In urban areas they are found around warehouses, residential buildings, and other human settlements.

Survival

These questions all relate to Rat survival skills.

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Domesticated Rats have typically short lifespans;

  • The Brown Rat: Expected lifespan is two years
  • The Black Rat: Expected lifespan is twelve months

Rats are active year-round and do not hibernate during the winter.

Rats are excellent climbers, swimmers, and burrowers which allows them to traverse through houses and other structures. They can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices. Swim sewer systems. And they can burrow into walls and foundations which can also cause structural damage to commercial and residential property.

The activity of rats, usually at night or dusk, can see them travel up to a mile depending on how scarce food is, though they usually don’t like to go more than 100 to 500 feet from the nest.

Typically Rats cannot go without water for more than 48 hours or without food for more than four days.

Rats are omnivorous so they can feast on;

  • Garbage
  • Dry grains
  • Pet droppings
  • Fruits from trees or bushes.

 

Whilst we’ve been led to believe that rats have a fondness for cheese, in reality they are far more attracted to;

  • Chocolate 
  • Peanut butter
  • Bacon
  • Vegetables 
  • Nuts 
  • Soap.

Healthy rats typically avoid people and prefer to be active when buildings are quiet. However if a Rat becomes cornered, they do have a tendency to lunge, bite and chase their attackers in order to defend themselves.

Breeding

These questions answer some of the most commonly asked questions around rats breeding habits.

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A female rat typically births six litters a year consisting of 12 rat pups, although 5-10 pups is more common.

Rat Infestation Damage

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Residential and Commercial Property.

1. Gnawing Damage:

Rats possess strong incisors that continuously grow, leading them to gnaw indiscriminately on various materials in order to sharpen their incisors. When a Rat is inhabiting a human abode, their gnawing can lead to serious damage to materials such as:

  • Wood Damage: such as beams, floorboards, doors, skirting boards, and furniture. They can weaken structural components, leading to stability issues and potential collapse.
  • Electrical Damage: Rats are known to chew through electrical wiring, cables, and insulation. This not only poses a fire hazard but can also cause electrical malfunctions, power outages, and damage to appliances.
  • Plastic and PVC Damage: plastic pipes, fittings, and PVC materials, causing leaks, water damage, and plumbing issues.
  • Insulation Damage: Rats may chew through insulation materials, reducing their effectiveness and leading to energy inefficiency.

2. Burrowing and Nesting Damage:

Rats create burrows and nests within properties, leading to additional structural damage:

  • Foundation Damage: Burrowing rats can undermine the stability of foundations, especially in older properties or those with weakened structures. This can result in cracks, subsidence, and structural weaknesses.
  • Wall and Ceiling Damage: Rats may burrow into walls and ceilings, causing damage to plaster, drywall, and insulation. This can lead to unsightly holes, weakened structures, and potential entry points for other pests.
  • Contamination and Odour: Rat nests can accumulate debris, urine, droppings, and food waste, leading to foul odours and unsanitary conditions within the property.

3. Roof Damage:

Rats can access roofs and cause damage that compromises their integrity:

  • Roof Tile Damage: Rats may dislodge or damage roof tiles while navigating or creating entry points, leading to water leaks and potential structural damage.
  • Gutter and Drain Damage: Rats can damage gutters, drains, and downspouts while climbing or seeking food sources, leading to water accumulation and potential water damage to the property.
  • Insulation Damage: Rats may nest in roof spaces and damage insulation materials, reducing their effectiveness and potentially impacting energy efficiency.

Rat Infestation Health Risks

Rats are known carriers of various diseases that can be transmitted to humans. Here are some common diseases associated with rats in the UK:

  • Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease): This bacterial infection can be contracted through contact with rat urine or contaminated water. Symptoms include; high fever, muscle pain, jaundice, and potentially severe complications.
  • Salmonellosis: Rats can contaminate food and surfaces with Salmonella bacteria, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.
  • ‘Rat-Bite’: This bacterial infection can be transmitted through bites or scratches from infected rats. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, rash, and in some cases, serious complications.
  • Hantavirus: While rare in the UK, some rat species can carry hantavirus, which can cause a severe respiratory illness known as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and potentially life-threatening respiratory distress.
Mice Infestation

Rat Infestation Control

These questions relate to pest control and how to get rid of Rats in the UK.

To mitigate the structural and potential health damage caused by rats in the UK, it is vital to implement preventive measures when an infestation problem does arise:

  • Seal Access Points: Identify and seal gaps, cracks, and openings in walls, floors, foundations, and roofs to prevent rat access to the property.
  • Hygiene: Keep the property clean, secure waste management, and eliminate potential food sources that may attract rats.
  • Inspections: Conduct regular inspections to identify signs of rat infestation, such as gnaw marks, droppings, or nests.

Common nesting places for rats are typically areas where they can build their nests in secrecy. Typically underneath decking, sheds and outbuildings. These areas all provide rats with suitable habitats for burrowing, and you can identify entrances by looking around the edges of these structures.

Rats also prefer burrowing next to solid surfaces such as walls. When inspecting garages, it’s essential to check for gaps around door frames or wooden doors with gnawed holes at the bottom, as rats can gain entry through such openings.

Get effective & affordable rodent control for Rats.

Rat infestations can be disruptive and inconvenient for homes and businesses. Throughout the North of England, we provide effective and cost-effective commercial pest and rodent control services to a wide range of commercial, industrial, and agricultural businesses. 

Over the last 30 years, VermEx has dealt with a wide range of rodents, rats and other pests with tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. You can be confident that our professional solutions will provide you with peace of mind regardless of what your problem may be. Contact our Rat control experts if you have a Rat problem on your residential or commercial property.

Find out more about fast & effective commercial Rat and other pest control services today