When you think of the city of London, rodents may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, rats and mice problem is a reality of life in urban areas like London, and it is important to know how to recognize them, how to deal with them and when is the time to call a professional pest control service like Pests of London. In this blog post, we will discuss some common types of rodents found in London as well as tips on controlling rodents around your home.
Types of Rodents Found in London
There are two main types of rodents found in the city of London: rats and mice.
In London, two species of rats cause a great deal of worry: the ubiquitous Brown Rat and its less common cousin, the Black Rat. Rats tend to be larger than mice, with adults growing up to 20 inches (50 cm) long from nose to tail tip. They can also weigh up to 1 pound (450 g).
Differentiating between Brown and Black Rats is easy; the former have rounded snouts, small ears, and robust bodies while their dark-coloured counterparts possess sharp noses, outsized ears, and slender physiques.
Brown Rats like digging underground for their home comforts, but also have some amazing climbing skills. Whilst these rodents are quite common in the UK, their Black Rattus relatives prefer harbouring around our ports and harbours as they sneakily board ships from abroad.
Only some species can be considered perilous pests that enter your home, garage, or shed. Here are the top four mice you might come across: the field/wood mouse, the house mouse, the harvest mouse, and the yellow-necked mouse.
Signs of Rodent infestation
Pest infestations are a nuisance and, in some cases, can be dangerous. One of the most common problems homeowners face is rodent infestation, whether it be mice or rats, be watchful for the following signs of infestation:
- The first signs of infestation are visible droppings near food sources.
- Presence of rips, tears, and gnaw marks on food packaging such as bread bags, containers, and boxes.
- Unusual noises such as scratching or scurrying sounds which can be heard from within the walls or crevices.
- Gnaw marks on furniture, wood, and other materials.
- Other signs include damage to walls as rodents look for places to build nests.
- If you notice holes or burrows in your lawn, it could be an indication that rodents are around.
- If you detect an unfamiliar scent, this unpleasant stench can be a telltale sign that your space has been infiltrated by rodents.
Common diseases associated with rodents
Rodents can be carriers of several serious diseases that can spread to humans if they come into contact with them or if they ingest water or food contaminated by rodent faeces.
Some of the most common diseases associated with rodents are plague, salmonella, rat-bite fever, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, and lymphocytic Choriomeningitis.
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a deadly respiratory illness with no available vaccine, cure, or treatment. Within just 10 days of contraction, it can swiftly lead to life-threatening failure and ultimately death.
Leptospirosis is a serious infection that can have severe health consequences, but it’s preventable! It generally occurs when food becomes contaminated by the urine of rodents and those infected may experience flu-like symptoms initially. As time passes, liver damage or meningitis might occur – so be sure to take proper precautions against this hidden danger.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis is not to be taken lightly – a virus caused by house mouse saliva, faeces, and urine can lead to severe consequences. The initial signs are muscle aches, fever and loss of appetite; but in its later phases, it may cause encephalitis leading to long-term neurological damage or even death. We all must stay vigilant when it comes to this potential risk!
Controlling Rodents Around Your Home
Knowing how to identify rodents is just the first step in controlling them around your home; it’s equally important to know how to keep them out! Here are some tips for controlling rodent populations around your home.
- Seal any cracks or openings around your home where rodents might enter. This includes windowsills, door frames, attic vents, etc.
- Keep all food stored away in airtight containers so that rodents cannot access it.
- Eliminating clutter is one of the most effective ways to discourage rats from taking up residence in your home as they have fewer spots to stay hidden.
- Keep your home clutter free inside and out by cleaning around the garden such as stacked firewood or piles of leaves; these provide ideal hiding spots for pests like rats and mice.
- Ensure that all of your refuse is placed in tightly sealed bins.
- Immediately clean up any leftover pet food, get rid of bird feeders, and try not to leave bird seeds lying around.
- Set traps inside your home if rodent activity has been spotted; use humane traps when possible so that the animals can be released back into their natural habitats safely.
- If you have a rodent infestation seek help from a specialist mouse control service.
Living with pests like rats and mice is never ideal but it is a reality of life in cities like London. The best way to avoid having a rodent infestation is by following prevention practices such as sealing off entry points around your home, storing food securely away from pests, cleaning up yards regularly, and setting traps when necessary. By being proactive about pest control measures at home, you can help keep rodent populations under control!
If you suspect a rodent infestation in your home, it is highly recommended to seek out the help of a professional rodent control service right away, as these pests can potentially cause serious health hazards for occupants living in the home. Pest Control London has experienced technicians who are skilled in providing an effective and long-lasting solution to any rodent infestation.
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