Rats
Rats pose a significant health risk to humans and our pets. Common diseases carried by rats include salmonella, Weil’s disease, e.coli, cryptosporidiosisand tuberculosis.
Rats also carry fleas, mites and ticks and can cause acute allergic reactions.
If you have a rat problem, please contact us using the details to the right to discuss treatment options. You may also wish to read about our fees and charges.
Rats in the home or garden
It is extremely serious if rats are getting into your home, even if they are not entering a direct living area. Any rat problem inside the home must be treated urgently.
Rats in the garden and other external areas can also pose a serious risk, particularly in areas used by children or pets. Special care is needed for houses with integral garages or with dog or cat flaps, as rats can use these to get into your home.
Problems caused by rats
Rats can be hazardous to health, spreading disease. Their urine is known to contain bacteria that can cause Weil's disease, a dangerous illness with flu-like symptoms. Rats are also capable of spreading a disease known as salmonellosis, a type of food poisoning.
They can also cause considerable damage to woodwork, water pipes, electric cables and foodstuffs.
Signs of a rat problem
Rats are nocturnal and usually hide from humans, so the typical signs to look for in the home are:
- Scratching Noises. Rats will make scratching noises that can easily be heard from within walls, under the floor, under decking and attics. Listen for their scratching and rustling noises after dusk when rats are most active
- Droppings. You can usually find droppings around food sources like pet dishes. The droppings will be small, capsule shaped, black and glossy.
- Grease marks. You may find these along beams and rafters (they are caused by a rat greasy fur) and gnawing marks on boxes and wiring. If you notice any of these signs, you probably have a rat problem and should contact a professional exterminator.
- Distinctive smell. Rats leave an ammonia-like smell that will be particularly strong in enclosed areas (for example, under cupboards or in loft spaces).
- Damage. Rats have teeth that grow continuously and gnaw on wood and plastic to keep them trim. Rats can even cause fires by chewing through cables.
- Ripped food packaging. Rats will tear open all types of packaging to find food.
- Nests. Rats build nests in warm, hidden places using shredded material such as newspaper, plastic and fabrics.
- Burrows. In gardens, rats will dig burrows, especially in compost heaps or under sheds. They will also build nests under garden decking.
Control Methods
If you think that you have a rat problem then you will need professional help in controlling the infestation. Using poison or a trap may kill individuals but other steps may be necessary to prevent further infestations.
Prevention
Below you'll find some steps you can take to prevent rats from entering your home:
- Keep piles of debris away from your home
- Do not leave any excess food waste outside overnight.
- Seal any holes you find with caulk or expanding foam and make sure all of your doors have good weather stripping in place.
- Seal any entrances to your home that are larger than a quarter of an inch
- Place all household rubbish in the dustbin and keep the lid shut.
- Do not leave areas of the garden piled up with rubbish or overgrown, as rats, may nest in this area.
- Ensure that rats cannot escape through old drainage connections e.g. disused toilets.
- Do not throw food for birds onto the ground.
Treatment
Hackney Council provides a full service for the treatment of rats at domestic and commercial premises.
If you think that you may have a problem, please contact us immediately using the details at the top-right hand corner of this page. You may also wish to read about our fees and charges.
Page updated: 15 Jun 2010
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