Rat problems are something that humans have been continually dealing with since the beginning of civilisation. No matter where you live in London, most people have spotted a rat at some point. They are common in overgrown gardens, and are even known to come into inhabited properties and business premises if there is something to attract them in. However, there is a much greater chance of getting rats if you’re not actively using the property. Empty premises often get rat problems. But why is this, and what can you do about it?
Understanding empty premises and rat problems
What you first have to understand is that rats are actually quite afraid of humans. That may seem untrue at first glance. After all, it seems as if these pests are getting more and more bold as time goes by.
But despite this, the fact remains. These pests do everything they can do avoid humans. This is a big part of why rats are nocturnal. By mainly coming out at night, they avoid predators, including us.
This is also one reason why empty premises get rat problems. You see, rodents need a place to live. The perfect living space is one that is least likely to be disturbed. This makes empty premises perfect. Rats can live there, build nests and breed freely. They can do all this without having to fear for their lives.
What can you do about rats in empty premises?
The first step is awareness. You must understand that an empty building is extremely attractive to rats. It’s not a question of if, but when they will invade. If you are leaving your property unattended, you must take steps against them. Although we urge caution with DIY rat control, there are some things you can do safely. To start with, the perimeter of your building must be secure. Make sure there are absolutely no entrance points. You must seal up holes tightly. The reality is that the premises must be maintained. Do not let it fall into a state of disrepair. This will only invite rats and other pests.
What you’ll also have to do is place traps. These should be left near to walls and routinely inspected. Unfortunately, you need to stay on top of this issue. That means routinely inspecting the property for rats. This needs to happen at least once a month. You can do this yourself, or you may prefer to outsource these tasks to a professional.
Look for the signs of rats. This includes rat droppings, nests and gnaw marks. If you find any of these things, act immediately and call in a London rat control specialist. Our pest technicians can set traps and inspect your property at regular intervals. This makes things easier for you. It also means your property is protected against the damage caused by rats.