Rat Treatment in West Berkshire
Rats
A common pest control issue faced in Hungerford and West Berkshire is the presence of rat infestations in gardens and homes. The area is known for its historic properties, many of which have specific vulnerabilities that make them more susceptible to rats, such as thatched roofs or degraded brickwork. Due to the age of these properties, they have often been heavily modified over time, with new bathrooms, extensions, or conservatories added to the original structure. Each modification can increase the chances of a rat infestation occurring.
Ponds also pose a high risk for attracting rats in gardens. Similar to humans, rats require three essentials to survive: water, food, and shelter. When these elements are readily available in close proximity, the likelihood of rats settling in the area increases significantly.
Another risk factor for rat infestations in gardens is the presence of fruit trees, such as apples or plums, which are commonly found in rural regions including Hungerford and West Berkshire.
At West Berkshire Pest Control, we implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. This professional pest control method is essential for all qualified pest controllers in the UK. Our approach not only involves chemical control methods to eradicate rats, such as using rodenticide or poison, but also emphasizes the exclusion of rats through physical measures. This could be as simple as blocking holes that rats use to enter or as complex as repairing defective Victorian drainage systems. Furthermore, we aim to modify the environment to deter rats from being attracted to an area.
For instance, rats are often drawn to chickens, which are frequently kept in West Berkshire. Therefore, in addition to controlling the current rat population with rodenticides or traps, it’s crucial to alter the environment to prevent future attraction to chicken coops. A practical change could involve how chickens are fed—by suspending feed off the ground on a rope rather than scattering it loosely on the floor. This adjustment helps discourage rats from re-infesting gardens or areas where chickens are present.
Additionally, a common concern in Hungerford and West Berkshire is the presence of large bodies of water such as the Kennet and Avon canals and rivers. Rats are naturally attracted to water, especially during the summer months when rainfall is scarce and alternative water sources become limited.