November Is the Month to Start Thinking About Rats

November may mean a lot of different things to a lot of people, but for us it means one thing: rats. This is the time of year that rats start looking for a warm, cosy place to spend the winter months. It is better for homeowners to start asking how they can prevent a rat infestation now than waiting to ask how to get rid of rats later.

The truth about rats is that they do not hibernate. We don't see them much during the summer months because they are out doing what they do. But rats don't like the cold and snow any more than we do. When evening temperatures start dropping, rats start looking for warm shelter. They will try to get into your house if they can.

This year we're expecting the normal 30-40% seasonal rise in callouts for rat service. If weather experts are right though, this year could be one of the worst we've seen in a while. Forecasters are calling for an exceptionally harsh winter that could see snow falling in parts of the UK as early as November. That would drive rats to look for shelter sooner and more aggressively.

How to Prevent a Rat Infestation

If you are looking at prevention rather than asking how to get rid of rats in a couple of months from now, there are things you can do to keep the vermin out of your home. Also understand how important prevention is. Once rats get into your home, they are very difficult to get out.

We have four suggestions as recommended by the British Pest Control Association:

1.Home Inspection - Do a thorough exterior inspection of your home, looking for any gaps or holes rats might find. Bear in mind they can squeeze through extremely small holes.

2.Windows and Doors - It takes but a split second for a rat to come in through a window or door that's ajar. Make sure all windows and doors close tightly, and keep them closed once temperatures start falling.

3.Food Sources - Eliminate food sources by cleaning bird feeders and pet food bowls. Food bowls should not be left out overnight. Also, make sure bins are kept tightly closed and secured.

4.Nesting Sites - Address sites that rats might find appealing for nesting. Clean up your garden, keep it neat and tidy, and remove any standing piles of debris.

Remember that rodents can cause both health issues and property damage. Once inside your home, they can easily chew through wires and timbers alike. They can also carry disease into your home as well. This is not something you want to deal with under any condition, but especially if you have children or pets.

If you don't know how to get rid of rats, no worries. You shouldn't try to do it yourself anyway. Instead, call Pest Control Services for assistance throughout Berkshire as well as some parts of Wiltshire and Hampshire.

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