Rat Control Edinburgh

Rodents

Rodents make up the biggest proportion of mammals, easily identifiable by their significant and ever-growing incisors. These animals can cause substantial structural damage within your home and can even spread disease and biting insects to inhabitants and household pets.

Rodent Types

In the UK there are three types of rodent that we deal with regularly:

Rats: Of the two species of rats in the UK, Brown Rats are by far the most common variety we deal with. These relatively large mammals can be identified by their distinctive pointed snout, rounded ears, and long slender tail.

Mice: In many ways similar to a rat and closely related, but typically significantly smaller. There are several species which we deal with regularly in the UK, all thriving in slightly different environments. Their adaptability along with their prolific breeding habits allow them to spread quickly.

Squirrels: Grey squirrels are an invasive species which have spread rapidly throughout the UK, outcompeting the native and cherished red squirrels. With almond eyes and huge bushy tails, there is no mistaking squirrels for another species of rodent.

Rodents and Disease

Mice and rats are hosts to an incredible number of diseases, and their habits and activity make them prolific spreaders of disease. Of the many diseases which they can carry, some of the most common ones are:

Hantavirus: Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a respiratory disease which can be incredibly dangerous, and potentially fatal, for human beings. The illness is similar to the flu in many ways but can lead to severe breathing trouble.

Salmonella: Salmonella is a highly infectious bacteria which is critically dangerous to humans and lives in the digestive tract of rats and mice. This disease can have a severe effect on even healthy individuals and can be fatal for vulnerable people.

Rat-Bite Fever: When cornered, fighting is the only option for animals. Rats and mice will bite in an attempt to escape, and it is not particularly unusual. This can transfer a number of diseases, including rat-bite fever.

How Disease is Spread

Rodent activity lends itself to the spread of disease. They settle into human habitations very well due to their ability to thrive in urban environments, in both domestic and commercial settings.

Food Sources: Rats and mice are intelligent and will quickly seek out stored food. When they feed, they will contaminate food with their urine and faeces, making it hazardous for human consumption. In commercial properties, entire warehouses of stock can be compromised without preventive measures.

Water Supply: Rats and mice are capable swimmers, and they are not afraid to enter into water supplies. They can subsequently contaminate these water sources with their excrement, leaving contagions in the water. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for them to get stuck, leaving a dangerous carcass behind.

Airborne Particles: Not only will rodents leave their excrement around properties, but they are also active nest makers. Any humans working or living nearby have a chance of disturbing this matter, putting dangerous airborne contagions into the air. These particles can also be spread through a ventilation system to the entire building.

Insect Bites: A number of disease-carrying fleas and mites exist on the bodies of rodents. These insects carry disease and can pick up other contagions from the animals they feed on. These insects can then turn their attention to humans, passing on contagions.

Property Damage

Mice, rats, and squirrels, can cause serious harm in terms of structural damage within a property. Their predisposition for gnawing means that after an infestation, you may end up spending thousands on repairs.

Firstly, mice, rats and squirrels have a strong inclination to gnaw cables and wires. These rodents will often chew the rubber insulation off of electrical wires, creating significant fire hazards. In fact, around 15% of domestic fires within the UK are attributed to rodent activity.

Additionally, rats and mice will attempt to nest inside electrical appliances which can break them and, again, create a significant chance of fire. This nesting activity also causes them to chew their way inside upholstered furniture as a ready-made home.

Squirrels, especially juvenile ones, have a tendency to tear bark from trees, both in forests and in urban settings. However, when there are no trees around, they will turn their attention to wooden beams. Not only can this cause aesthetic damage, but it can compromise structural integrity given enough time.

Local Reliable Service

Edinburgh Pest Control Co. is a dependable company with a valuable history. We are fully compliant with all relevant government legislation and are in full compliance with the standards of the British Pest Control Authority (BPCA).

Rodents may be frustrating, destructive, and for many people, intimidating. However, you can rest assured that by employing the services of our esteemed and capable company, the infestation will be dealt with quickly, effectively, and at a reasonable price.

After you get in contact with us, one of our sales representatives will visit your property to carry out a full survey and risk assessment, free of charge. From here, we can assess your situation, develop a plan, and offer you an on-the-spot zero-obligation quotation of how much you can expect to pay.

If you choose to proceed, one or more local technicians will put the plan into place. Using their knowledge and practical experience of rodent behaviour, they will make sure that the rodents are dealt with and no longer an issue.

Afterwards, we are able to set to work, proofing your property against future unwanted pest invasions.