UK homeowners are being alerted to a potential rat invasion, with pest control experts predicting the ‘worst winter for invasions ever’. The current cold, grey and wet weather conditions are driving rats to seek shelter in gardens and homes.
And experts this week issued advice on how to use natural methods of keeping them away – including using 32p ingredients which most people have in their kitchens – garlic cloves.
One pest control professional stated: “I’ve been working in this industry for 30 years and because of a cocktail of problems combining at the same time, I have never had more calls about rats – and it’s getting worse.”
Almost half of all call-outs now concern rats infiltrating homes and offices, some reportedly “the size of a small cat or dog”. In 2022, Rentokil, a leading name in the industry, warned of a 30% increase in the rat population, equating to an additional 33.75 million rats.
Experts attribute this surge to rainy and damp conditions causing drain floods, forcing rats to seek drier areas such as garages and inside walls. Other contributing factors include poorly maintained drains, cheaply installed pipes in homes, and particularly wet weather.
Pest controllers warn against homeowners using poison to kill rats, as it poses a risk to wildlife and pets, and if rats are entering through a sewer, they will continue to return. Many of these rats are two feet long and very fat, appearing even larger as a defence mechanism.
A female rat can produce an average of six litters a year, each containing up to 12 pups. Given that rats reach sexual maturity in about a month, a pair of rats can multiply to as many as 1,250 within a year.
Experts at Bunk Beds have suggested some strategies to curb this rapid invasion. If not addressed promptly, the issue can escalate and become costly to rectify.
Rodents can gnaw on electrical wires, inflict expensive property damage, and spread diseases that can lead to liver and kidney damage, salmonella, and other potentially fatal conditions. The experts at Bunk Beds advocate for prevention over extermination when it comes to rodents, and have shared their top tips for keeping these pests out of your home this winter.
A spokesperson from Bunk Beds warns: “Rodents are dirty and carry nasty diseases and the last thing you want is to invite these creatures into your home. Rats and other rodents can also be expensive to get rid of too. Traps and baits can cost hundreds of pounds and there is no guarantee that it will get rid of the problem either.”
They further caution: “If you don’t get rid of your rodent problem quickly it can become near impossible to fix, a female rat can have up to 13 babies in a litter and can have anywhere from 3 – 12 litters in a year. Rats can also reach sexual maturity after 9 weeks so a population of 2 rats can exponentially grow to over 1200 in a year. It’s far better to prevent a rat infestation than to try and remove one.”
Begin with your garden. Rats possess an incredible sense of smell, capable of detecting food from over 2km away.
They will travel considerable distances in search of sustenance. Therefore, if you discard food in your bins, ensure they are secured with tight-fitting lids.
If possible, store your bins away from your home to minimise the risk of attracting these scavengers.
Consider utilising natural predators. According to experts, cats, owls, and certain dog breeds like Jack Russell terriers can effectively deter rodents.
Installing owl boxes in your garden could encourage these natural hunters to reside there, helping control the rodent population.
If you prefer not to have animals in your garden, consider using decoy predator scents available online. These can repel not only rats but also a variety of creatures including moles, voles, mice, squirrels, and even skunks.
Natural deterrents can be a viable option. If you’re not keen on using synthetic predator scents, natural-smelling spices or oils could be a viable alternative. Potent spices like cayenne pepper or garlic cloves can be scattered around your home’s entry points.
These strong odours can irritate a rodent’s highly sensitive nose. This method is also cost-effective – for instance, a twin pack of garlic at Tesco can be purchased for just 65p.
Wiping down surfaces in your home with vinegar can help eliminate food smells that may attract rodents. While sprinkling spices or using natural oils such as peppermint or cinnamon oil can provide a temporary solution, for a more lasting effect, consider planting rodent-repelling plants like mint, lavender, or marigolds around your garden perimeter to form a natural barrier.
Encouraging your neighbours to take action can also be beneficial. Your rodent problem might not be entirely due to your own actions.
Rodents can migrate from one property to another, so getting your neighbours involved can reduce the risk of an infestation. Coordinating clean-ups of communal areas like alleys or parks can minimise debris that rodents find attractive.
If you notice unsecured bins in your neighbour’s yard, sharing your knowledge can contribute to a safer and healthier living environment.