Pest Control - Frequently asked Questions

Q. My property is being treated for rats/mice but I'm still seeing/hearing them. Has the treatment not worked?

A. All anticoagulant rodenticides are accumulative. The poison bait builds up in the rodent's body over a period of 3 - 10 days. The rodent has to consume a lethal dose of the poison bait before it feels any ill effects. Therefore it is not unusual to observe/hear rodents for several days after commencement of the treatment.

Q. How are the rats/mice gaining access to my property?

A. Rats are able to squeeze through small gaps (10mm). They can enter properties via minor structural defects i.e. gaps under doors (especially integral garage doors), around waste pipes, holes in brickwork and damaged air vents. They sometimes enter properties via defective drains. Once in the wall cavities, the rat can access sub floor spaces and roofspaces. If your property is in good repair it is quite possible that the rat has entered from a connected property which may have the above defects.

Mice are able to squeeze through much smaller gaps (6mm) and can enter through the same defects with the exception of defective drains.

It is also possible that rats/mice have entered your property via an open door (especially when working in the garden or emptying the bin).

Q. How do I know the rats wont come back? 

A.We offer a pest control contract service which includes regular monitoring of the site, reporting,  and installation and maintenance of bait stations to deal with infestations before they arise. We believe in prevention ahead of cure.

Q. I have a mole in my garden, can it be caught live and released somewhere it can do no harm?
A. It is an offence under the Abandonment of Animals Act to trap a live animal and release it in another area. Also, moles are very territorial and releasing it where there are other moles would cause it distress and inevitable death. By releasing it somewhere where there are no molehills the chances are that there would not be enough food there and possibly the soil would not lend itself to digging (stony).

Q. Would the Rat/Mouse poison be harmful to my dog or cat?

A. Yes, poison bait can be harmful to your pet but large amounts would need to be consumed. If your property is being treated by us, a risk assessment would be carried out at the time the bait is put in place. This would help determine the type of bait to use to avoid pets eating the poison. Loose bait would only be used in confined spaces i.e. under floors, in roofspaces and behind fitted units. In areas open to pets, poison would be placed in tamper-resistant bait boxes to avoid exposure to animals or children.