Getting rid of rats/mice (merged threads)

WestonDave

You aren't going to kill all the rats in the sewer system even if you bait it every week for the rest of your life so you need to focus as you have been on step by step elimination of their access. A big part of that is going to be down to you listening for sounds of their activity and then going for those points to see how they are getting there. For example cavity walls can be checked by putting a camera inside (drill the mortar and insert) so if you hear them scratching in a specific point get it checked. If you can't find anyone else to do it, ask one of the cavity wall companies how much it would cost to borrow one of their surveyors and kit for a day!

warmhands.coldheart

There must be some sort of food source that is drawing them to the area. What is the area like that you live in?
Are there food retailers in the area? how do they store their rubbish?
Are there any empty houses in the area that provide shelter/breeding grounds for the rats?
Is there ant scrubland in the area that provides them with cover? if so as council to get it cut back.

Get all possible holes in the house filled up and get a good cat if nothing else !!

ollyf

We live next door to Chinese takeaway and have been told on countless occasions that is not from them. We live in a mid terrace and if there are any holes they would be underground.

maninthestreet

The chinese takeway would be a definite attraction to rats.

paulsad

I had an infestation at my last house and tried poison - they just go and die in the nest and stink for some months after if under your floor. The only way to stop them is to fill every possible entry into the property - I used cement mixed with hard pebbles and some wire wool which gets stuck in their teeth and stops them gnawing through.
Chicken wire over waste pipes behind washers, sinks etc. Standard snap rat traps baited with chocolate buscuit killed 7 under my sink! But youreally have to prevent/deter them getting in, a terrier type dog, jack russel or similar is a great ally and friend against rats.
I tried sonic type deterrents but not sure if that effective long term I understand rats tune the noise out - they are very adaptive and can get in any space that their skull can fit through!
I got rid of mine and was quite relieved to see a field mouse in the house! If you have a mouse or 2 you can guarantee you havent got rats as the rats eat them.
Good Luck!

Mojisola

maninthestreet wrote: »

The chinese takeway would be a definite attraction to rats.

With a takeaway next door, you'll probably never be rid of them. As soon as you kill the rats that are there, more will move in.

Have you asked the council to inspect the takeaway to see how they are dealing with their waste?

ollyf

We actually don't know where the hole(s) are into the property they must be underground. The Council have been round several times and are going again this week but they are saying its all ok there.

The guy at environmental health said there was issues there some time ago which are now sorted he would commit to saying wether this would have a link to the issues we have been facing for the last 5 years.

warmhands.coldheart

What type of floors do you have? Suspended Wooden or solid concrete? If Suspended, personally I'd rip them up and put down solid concrete floors. only way you'll stop them coming up from under floors I'd say...... would also make your house "greener" and less draught prone if you insulate it all well....

ollyf

We have raised and the next ideas we had was to concrete but the problem is we also had then burrow out of the kitchen floor which is !!!!!umen so we can't be certain if there coming from the front of the property or the back.

greyteam1959

The Chinese Takeaway HAS to have a pest control contract to fulfil its obligations under the Food Hygiene laws.