Head Office:
Oak House, Outgang Road
Pickering YO18 7EL
01751 474727

Signs of a Rat Problem

Rodents are nocturnal and usually hide from humans, so the signs of a rodent problem in the home are:

• Scratching noises in walls or under the floor as rats scurry around
• Droppings – rats leave dark, tapered droppings about 10-14mm long
• Mice leave small, dark droppings about the size of a pencil led particularly along walls or in areas of significant mouse activity such as in cupboards or under sinks.
• Damage – rodents have teeth that grow continuously and gnaw on wood and plastic to keep them trim.
• Ripped food packaging – rodents will tear open food which may leave teeth marks
• Nests – rodents build nests in warm, hidden places using shredded material such as newspaper and fabrics. Nests will often contain young rats
• Burrows - In gardens, rats will dig burrows especially in compost heaps or under sheds. They will also build nests under garden decking.

Store food in plastic or metal containers and regularly clean under cookers and fridges.

Ensure household refuse is kept in closed bins.

Do not put meat into compost heaps.

Ensure that all pipe-work is in good order.

Use squirrel-proof bird feeders.

Unforunately professional treatment is required to eradicate a bedbug infestation

The key to beating bedbug problems is to raise awareness of what to look for and to ensure bedbugs are dealt with quickly once discovered.

BEDBUGS

Protecting Your Home from bedbugs

Bedbugs are becoming more and more of a problem in this country and around the world. They are easily spread and difficult to treat resulting in a rapid growth in the number of bedbug outbreaks.

The Impact of Bedbugs
Bedbugs feed on the blood of humans and other mammals.

While it is possible for bedbugs to transmit disease, in this country it is very rare. Instead, the primary concern is the irritation and distress caused by bedbug bites.

Bedbug bites do not hurt. It is the itchiness that results from the body's reaction to them that causes discomfort.

Identifying Bedbugs
Adult bedbugs are 5mm long. Before feeding they are a flattened oval shape and light brown, but become rounder and darker after feeding.

• Bedbugs come out at night and are attracted to the warmth of our bodies and carbon dioxide in our breath.
  
• Bedbugs are usually found in bedrooms but hide in cracks and crevices during the day.
  
• The most common shelters for bedbugs are in the seams of mattresses, in crevices in the bed frame, behind furniture surrounding the bed (especially the headboard) or where the wall meets the floor.
  
• A more established infestation of bedbugs is associated with dark or black staining of the mattress from bed bug excreta

Understanding Fleas
Even with the best care, it is difficult to protect fully against the risk of your dog or cat catching fleas.

When your pet has fleas, it is likely that it will scratch more often or try to bite the fleas in its fur.

A flea comb and frequent grooming may be sufficient to prevent fleas establishing themselves, but your vet or pet shop will offer treatments to protect your pet from fleas.

Consult your vet if there are signs of irritation such as reddening of the skin or if there are thin patches in the coat of your pet.