People heading into garages, basements, outbuildings and attics to retrieve Christmas decorations, have been warned to keep a lookout for any signs of rat activity. Internal Rat activity within commercial premises has risen 30% over the last four years, and traditionally peaks in late November and December when the weather turns colder and wetter, according to data analysis from Rentokil Pest Control.
Following an exceptionally mild October, Rentokil Pest Control predicts that rat activity is likely to increase in the coming weeks particularly as temperatures fall, after rats delayed moving into sheltered spots during the autumn. Lofts and attic spaces are two common locations in homes where people may spot the signs of rats. So when retrieving boxes of decorations and Christmas trees that may have lain untouched since last year, it would be advisable to keep an eye out for any telltale signs of pest activity.
Things to look out for include shredded loft insulation, chewed items, or concentrations of droppings, which look like large brown spindles. Each rat will produce up to 40 droppings a night, and they will often be found in the corners of rooms or boxes.
Paul Blackhurst, Head of Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control said: “Rodents are a key public health concern, which can cause considerable damage to both residential and business premises, as well as business’ reputation. After a mild autumn we’re expecting to see a surge in enquiries as soon as the temperature drops, as rats will be looking for somewhere warm to spend the winter. While most of us may associate rats with sewers and holes in the ground, brown rats are very agile climbers, and can be found in loft spaces.”
He added: “When you’re up in the loft, there are a few simple things to look out for; nests, droppings, signs of gnawing, and greasy rub marks on joists. If any of these are spotted, then pest control experts should be called in to deal with the problem sustainably and efficiently. Pest specialists can use tools and technology to monitor and safely eliminate any rodent activity, helping make sure that the only footsteps you may hear on your roof this Christmas, are from Santa and his reindeer.”
In the wild, rats nest in burrows but when they move indoors they tend to nest in lofts, attics, under eaves and even in cavity walls. They will shred available materials such as loft insulation, cardboard and other soft items to make their nests.
