What do rats look like?

The common rat found in Cardiff and South Wales typically has brownish fur on its back and grey underneath, but colour can vary from white through to black. Adult body length is 200 - 270mm plus a tail length of 150 - 200mm.

The ship rat, which is nowadays rarely encountered in Britain, is smaller than the common rat and usually black in colour. It has large hairless ears and a tail that is longer than its head and body length.

Where do rats live?

Common rats live in any situation that provides food, water and shelter. In homes, they will live in loft spaces, wall cavities, cellars or under floorboards. In gardens, they will burrow into compost heaps and grassy banks or under sheds. They are commonly found living in sewer systems. Ship rats are agile climbers and are usually found indoors, living in roof spaces. They are rarely found in sewer systems.

More often than not, we find rats living in attics. Therefore, we offer a range of attic rodent proofing services to help stop rats from using your loft or attics space as a nesting ground.

What are the signs of a rat infestation?

  • Multiple sightings of live rats. A one-off sighting may not indicate an infestation.
  • Common rat droppings can be 12mm long and taper at both ends.
  • Runs - rats follow the same routes when travelling, and leave trails through the grass and low vegetation.
  • Footprints and tail swipes - on muddy or dusty surfaces.
  • Smears - dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeated contact with rat fur.
  • Burrows - entrance holes 7 - 120mm in diameter in grassy banks, under tree roots, at the edge of paving or drain cover surrounds.
  • Nests - sometimes found indoors, in lofts or under floorboards.
  • Gnawing - rats gnaw continually, even on non- food materials, in order to wear down their front teeth.

What do rats eat?

Their favourite foods are cereal products, although they will eat almost anything that humans eat. Most of the damage they do is by gnawing and ripping open packets. They also foul food with urine and droppings.

Rat Control Cardiff

Rats can transmit many diseases to humans, including Salmonellosis (food poisoning) and Weils disease.

Rats will eat or contaminate food intended for humans. It is estimated that up to 5% of food produced world-wide is lost as a result of rodent activity.

Damage to buildings and other structures due to rat gnawing and burrowing.

Can I get rid of rats?

Rats are adaptable, highly mobile and breed rapidly. Unfortunately, this combination makes rat control a difficult task for the untrained individual.

Our fully trained Pest Control technicians will survey the infestation, then place poison bait in the most appropriate locations.

  • Householders can assist in preventing infestation by some simple measures: Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy and cutting back overgrown areas.
  • Do not feed wild birds or other animals - you may be feeding rats as well.
  • Keep your home in good repair so that rats cannot gain access to it. For example, ensure that the drain inspection covers are in place and are in good repair.
  • Do not leave household waste where rats can get at it.

For more information on charges for rat control in Cardiff, please contact us.

rat control cardiff