Mice and Rats
Clear signs of a Rat infestation
Rats are nocturnal and crepuscular (active between dawn and dusk) creatures, which makes them challenging to spot. However, there are a few indicators that could point to rat activity and the demand for assistance. These might consist of:
Rat droppings are the most evident indication of a rat problem because an average rat can produce up to 40 new droppings per day. They are the same length as a £1 coin and frequently taper.
Both when they are living and after they have died, rats emit a distinct, disgusting stench. In a tiny area like a loft, it is easier to identify a live rat because a dead rat smells much worse and might linger for up to 10 days before being removed.
Rats are creatures of habit, and they often take the same route. Wear on the grass may be a sign of an infestation in a garden. This issue won’t get better if the correct care isn’t given to it.
Rats look for warm, covert, dark spots to build their nests in. Rats can reproduce up to six times a year, and the typical litter can contain well over seven young. The loft, below floors, behind bathroom panels or even beneath garden decking are common hiding places.
The Clear Signs of a Mouse infestation
Mus musculus (mice), being nocturnal and crepuscular, are challenging to detect but leave distinct signs. Faecal pellets, small and spindle-shaped, are abundant, with each mouse producing 50–80 daily, often concentrated in high-activity areas. Audible scratching or scurrying, especially in lofts, indicates house mouse presence, favouring warm environments. Gnaw marks on cables, wood, or plastic result from continuous chewing to manage incisor growth, causing structural or electrical damage. Without professional mouse control in Reading, infestations escalate. Mice nest in concealed, warm spaces like lofts, walls, or under appliances, breeding up to eight times annually, with litters averaging six offspring. Reading Pest Control provides expert rodent management in Reading, Wokingham, and Bracknell.
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What are the signs that I might need professional pest control services?The indicators that it might be time to seek expert assistance are the presence of live or deceased pests in your property, the discovery of droppings or trails, sounds like scratching or scuttling, visible damage to property, or the detection of nests or burrows.
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When should I call pest control?It is advisable to contact a pest control service if you notice any signs of an infestation. The telltale signs may include spotting pests, discovering droppings or evidence of pest-induced damage, or hearing unusual sounds within your walls or loft.
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What method will you use?The methods used to eliminate pests in your home can differ depending on the pest that’s present. The decision is determined by various factors, including regional regulations and the types of pests being targeted.
