Rat Control and Mouse Control

There is an explosion of rats and mice in the Berkshire area. Rats and Mice must be controlled due the the spread of diseases and in the interests of public health. Control may take the form of mouse or rat traps or by the use of mouse poison and rat poison. All poisons should be administered in a controlled manner by a qualified expert in the use of rat and mouse poison. By calling Newbury based Rapid Pest Control, you are assured of that expertise. Contact us now by email or call Newbury (01635) 247192 for a fast, descrete professional pest control service.

Call our Emergency Number 07831 130636 now to deal with your pest problem.

• Common rat
• House mouse

Common Rat (Ratus Norvegicus)

Description:

This large rodent can grow up to 40cm long (including tail) and are normally dull grey in colour but this can vary. Rats are omnivorous and eat virtually anything from grain and cereals to meat, chicks and eggs. They are highly intelligent and also are neophobic (have a fear of new things) making them very wary of new objects, taking 4 - 5 days to become used to new items being introduced into their environment (like traps and bait stations).

Why Control:

Rats, whilst clean themselves, do carry and harbor a number of diseases which can be fatal to humans, Weils Disease being most commonly known. Rats will quickly infest a habitat and breed rapidly, often having 7 litters per year of approx 8 babies each time.

Signs of infestation:

Usual signs are holes or runs under sheds or outbuildings. The runs have a greasy look to them. Unfortunately, people often attract rats themselves by throwing bread out for the birds and feeding bird tables as well as leaving bin bags out, or discarding rubbish etc. Rats often gain access to lofts and roof voids and residents often hear them running about during the night. Faeces are often found scattered along runs and outside holes.

Usual Treatments:

Treatments can be poisons, traps or gassing depending on each case. Rats in the Newbury area are specifically know to be resistant to certain poisons so specialist rat poisons must be used. Rapid Pest Control Services use either Bromadialone or Difenacoum based poisons in strictly controlled applications to avoid any resistance being built up.

Every rat problem requires a site visit to determine the correct course of action and treatment program.

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House Mouse (Mus Domesticus) and Wood Mouse (Apodemus Sylaticus)

Description:

The House Mouse is approx 90mm in total length and grey or brown in colour with a slightly lighter under belly. The Wood Mouse is slightly larger with light brown fur and a distinctive pale coloured belly, large ears and bulging eyes. Both mice are omnivorous and will eat anything. They do tend to nibble and move on, leaving small faeces (droppings) everywhere as well as urine trails. Whilst the Wood Mouse tends to be in outbuildings and sheds, the House Mouse, if undisturbed will stay indoors all its life.

Why Control:

Mice do carry certain diseases, but they are very destructive in nature and will quickly nibble holes in just about anything including electrical wiring. If left unchecked, they breed rapidly, having up to 8 litters of 5 to 6 babies each time.

Signs of infestation:

Shredded paper, holes nibbled in skirting boards etc, scratching noises behind walls or in the loft, part eaten food and faeces in cupboards or on floors etc.

Usual Treatments:

Due to their habits of nibbling and moving on, a large number of baiting points are required. Poisons containing anticoagulants are generally used in a variety of forms including pastes, blocks or pellets. Trapping can also be very effective at reducing numbers quickly. Prevention is preferred and better housekeeping or mice proofing strategies must be employed for long term solutions.

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