Common Rat - Rattus Norvegicus


The common house mouse will drink water when accessible but where water is not accessible, can survive on food with as little as 10-20 % food moisture. The Mus Domesticus is an omnivore and feeds on numerous household food products.
  
After treating the property, a survey should be undertaken to assess the infestation's proportions and risks. Also, adjacent properties should be inspected due to the behaviours of mice ( Mice tend to travel outside their harbourage to feed and drink before returning).
 



 Colour  Grey - Brown, the underside is usually slightly lighter
 Ears  Large
 Eyes  Small
 Tail  Slightly Shorter than the length of head and body
 Weight (adult)  anything between 10 - 25 g
 Litters per year  around 8
 Litter size  upwards of 8
 Maturity  as little as six weeks
 Average life span  3-4 months

During the survey, your pest-control technician will carry out a "risk-assessment" which is basically our way of checking for any hazards on the property / area. We will provide you, where possible, with advice for preventing rats e.g. highlighting any factors that can improve the situation, such as: proofing, cleaning, food storage etc.
 
Our technicians are always suitably equipped to handle virtually any problem that may be encountered. Our knowledgeable pest-controllers are experienced in the living patterns/ niches of rats and are very able to detect signs of them where present. These signs may include:

  • Runs
  • Holes
  • Droppings
  • Tracks
  • Smear-marks
  • Damage
  • Nests
  • Mice themselves (alive or dead)


 Treatment 
After establishing the type and species of pest present, a baiting programme should be implemented. Our technicians aim to exterminate the mice without endangering people or non-target animals within the area. We are aware of the continuous changes that occur within a nest and we consider this when assessing your property. Baits, therefore, have to be inaccessible to other animals.
 
In instances where baits need to be in domestic areas, tamper-resistant bait-boxes must be used to protect the health of non-target animals and people.
 
Usually, follow-up surveying will occur seven working days after the initial baiting programme has been implemented, some situations, however, may require more frequent (daily) visits.