Rats invade homes as sightings escalate across Bassetlaw and the UK
A surge in rat sightings both locally and across the UK is a result of this year's weather, say local pest management experts.
Reported rat sightings in the UK are up 15 per cent compared to the previous year, new survey data reveals, and according to Dale Simmonite of DGS Wildlife and Pest Management that covers the Bassetlaw area, this is reflected locally too.
He said: "Dark nights and colder weather are bringing a big rise in rat and mouse activity in homes, garages, sheds and other buildings as rats start to look for alternative food sources, and seek warmth in houses, lofts, attics, garages and sheds.
"The hot summer helped many animals breed and thrive, but unfortunately, this included rats and mice, with plenty of food and shelter all helping to contribute to higher rat numbers."
He continued: "We’re now receiving lots of calls about noises in walls, lofts and attics. If this is what you're hearing, don't assume it's just a bird and ignore the noise. It could quickly develop into a serious rat infestation.
"Rats breed very quickly and can reproduce from a young age, so it doesn't take long for a small problem to become a much bigger one.
"Even if your home is clean and well maintained, they may still try to get inside."
"Rats don't hibernate," said Dale. "As it gets colder and wetter, natural food and vegetation become less available, while gardens and houses offer reliable food."
Bassetlaw Council does not offer pest control services but offers online afvice, including how to prevent an infestation, as follows:
Ensure that all defective drainage to your home is promptly repaired, and your bin is emptied regularly.
Seal structural defects in the house, and if feeding wild birds in your garden, use suspended wire feeders and clear any spillages.
Their page describes rats as a ‘hazard to public health’ as they can transmit diseases which can be potentially fatal to man, and carry disease organisms such as Salmonella bacteria, viruses, and parasites such as worms and fleas.
The UK survey by Rentokil revealed the average 15pc rise in rat sightings in the UK. It also found 43 per cent of Britons are frightened of an encounter with a rat, but 65 per cent have personally experienced this in the past year.