As the evenings gradually get darker and the temperatures start to drop, now is the time to check the external structure of your property for potential pest access points.
Whilst rodent activity inside properties can happen at any time of year; when temperatures start to drop in the autumn, rodents start searching for warmer nesting sites such as in homes, office buildings, outbuildings and warehouses.
What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risks?
To prevent rats or mice taking up residence in your property, a systematic survey needs to be undertaken to identify potential points of access. This involves walking around the perimeter of the property and assessing for access points at all levels. Key access points for rats and mice include ill-fitting doors, garage doors or roller-shutters; holes to brickwork or other construction materials; access points into the structure where service pipework enters (particularly drainage pipework from the kitchen sink in many older properties); air bricks or vents; broken windows; and climbing plants or cables on the walls which permit access by climbing up to guttering and the roof. Other things to look for include potential nesting materials or easily accessible food sources such as bird seed stored in garages or garden sheds.
It is important to ensure any survey is thorough and that all potential access points and food sources are noted. Once the survey is complete it is important to take action to deal with any issues noted. Failure to do so leaves you at risk of a rat or mouse infestation at any time.
Pest Proofing Techniques
Depending on what the survey has shown up, there are various proofing techniques and materials that can be used. It is important that any repairs or proofing works are undertaken using suitably durable materials to prevent rodents chewing their way in.
Vents and grills can be fitted with stainless steel wire mesh; wire wool and cement can be used in some locations; and door seals can all be used as proofing.
Cutting back climbing plants, shrubs and bushes in some areas may also help to reduce the likelihood of rodent activity.
Storing bird feed and other food sources in a sealed container, or removing it to a more secure area will also help reduce the likelihood of pest ingress.
If you need advice on pest proofing, or if you have a current rodent infestation or any other pest activity and need assistance, please contact us here or call us on 01604 328545
