Have you spotted a rat in your home or garden? The unwanted pests can cause problems and if you’re wondering what to do and who to call to help you remove them, look no further.
Rats carry lots of diseases and they can leave a mess behind so you might want someone else to help you and there are people out there who can solve your rodent problems.
Let’s take a look at what you need to do and who you should call if you spot rats in your home or garden.
Who should you call if you find rats in your home or garden?
To report a pest problem, the government website encourages you to get in touch with your council to see if they provide pest control services to get rid of rats.
You can enter your postcode and the website will match the postcode to a council and direct you to their website for more information.
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) recommends getting in touch with a professional pest management company that is a member of BPCA.
The website explains: “They are trained in rat control and will have access to a range of professional use rodenticides and tools, which are not available to the public.
“Knowing how much, where, and when to deploy products is where professionals are able to take control of situations efficiently. There’s also a growing issue with resistance, due to incorrect choice of rodenticide or widespread use by members of the public.
“Professional pest controllers will take an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to tackling your infestation.
How to get rid of these common garden pests
“A pest professional will have access to monitoring equipment, which they will use to confirm entry points into your property, the size of the infestation and to track the rat to its harbourage (nest).
“They can then recommend a proofing strategy and decide on the best course of action in terms of control; this could be traps, rodenticides or a combination of both.
“You should always expect to receive a full, written report from a professional pest technician.”
Recommended reading:
- What does a rat's nest look like? Why it's not a good idea to disturb them
- Are rats dangerous for humans and pets? Diseases carried by the rodents
- RSPCA shares how to get rid of rats in your home or garden without harming them
- Garden experts share 7 tips for keeping rats out of your garden
You can find a pest management company using the BPCA website. You'll need to enter your postcode and state whether your property is commercial or residential and the service you'd like.
Then, companies that are BPCA members and located in your area will be listed with contact details.
The BPCA says all of its members have the correct insurance and use trained and qualified technicians.
They all have to be audited to the British Standard in pest management EN 16636 and follow BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel