Urban Shield Ltd
Pest Control Specialists for London & SE
Pest Facts

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0207 482 4952

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RODENTS

What are rodents?

  • Rodents are mammals and there are about 1500 species in the world. Of these about 500 species are commonly called rats and about 130 species are commonly called mice.
  • In Britain, however, there are two kinds of rat and four kinds of mice. The more common species considered to be pests are:
    Norway, common or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)
    Ship, roof or black rat (Rattus rattus) - however, rare in Britain.
    House mouse (Mus domesticus)

    • All three of these species have, throughout history, been linked to the human environment and poor hygiene conditions.

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What problems are caused by rodents?

  • Both the rats and mice have front teeth (incisors) which are long, sharp and very hard. These teeth grow continuously and hence these animals continually need to gnaw, resulting in .

    Damage and contamination of stored and processed food.

    Structural damage of a wide range of materials and property.

     
  • Rats and mice are responsible for transmitting a number of diseases via their urine and droppings. Some of the more common diseases are
    Salmonella, Diarrhea, dysentery, food poisoning, gastroenteritis
    Toxoplasmosis
    Murine typhus
    Leptospirosis (or Weil’s disease)
    Haemorrhagic fever
  • Fear of rodents:
    In addition to the damage and diseases that rodents cause some people have a strong phobia of rodents, which can result in aversive stress and anxiety.

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ONLINE SHOP Amateur rodent control products sold here!

Why are mice and rats so successful?

  • The greatest contributing factor to the success of rodents is their high reproductive potential. Rats and mice can reproduce at the age of 3 months. Females can give birth every 24-28 days. Theoretically, 1 pair can give rise to 1000 young after just 12 months! It is certainly possible for a population of several hundred to be reached under ‘average’ conditions.
  • Rats and mice are ‘experts’ at utilizing man’s environment. Their ability to climb, get through small gaps and their gnawing activity means that they readily gain access to food stores, refuse sites and potential places to breed.
  • Man himself often contributes to the success of rats and mice. Poor building and sewage maintenance, food storage and hygiene in the ‘human’ environment aid both the reproductive and survival behavior of rats and mice.
     

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Do I have rats or mice?

  • Rodents will often leave distinct evidence of their presence, even if they are not seen. The most common evidence of rodent activity are:
  • Presence of rodent droppings.
  •                                                          
                 Mouse droppings - small, scattered                         Rat droppings - large, grouped

    Rat droppings, above, are usually found in groups, are spindle shaped and are larger than mouse droppings (1-2cms)

    Mouse droppings are usually scattered, banana shaped and smaller than rat droppings (<1cm).
  • Urine stains on surfaces, particularly around food areas. Mice are unable to control their bladders and their urine will continuously dribble over all surfaces.
  • Damaged food stocks and packaging, where food and packaging has been gnawed.
  • General structural and material damage in and around the property due to gnawing.
  • Black greasy smear marks around holes or areas of activity can sometimes be found on walls, pipes, cables and furniture.
  • Live and dead rodents will often be observed where they are active.

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How are rats and mice controlled?

  • Control over mice and rats is usually achieved via a combination of methods;
  • High hygiene standards should be maintained, particularly around food and refuse areas.
  • Access to properties should be restricted using suitable proofing materials.
  • Continuously maintaining and monitoring good hygiene and proofing to ensure rodent activity is prevented.
  • Use of suitable poisons (Rodenticides) for rats or mice to obtain control, sometimes in combination with traps and sticky boards.
     
  • For home users you can see our recommended products for rats and mice in the online shop.

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