RANGE REVIEW: PEST CONTROL


H HELP CUSTOMERS KEEP


HOMES RODENT FREE omeowners in


the UK should keep their eyes peeled for signs of rodents this winter. Rodent-


related enquiries increased by 23% in December 2018, compared to the same period in 2017. This is likely to be attributed to last summer’s heatwave, which helped to create the perfect conditions for rats and mice to breed. Now, following the snow that


has fallen and the fact that cold, wet weather has set in across the country, rats and mice could seek to come in from the cold in search of dry harbourages and new food sources. Many DIY retailers maybe asked questions and have more conversations with their customers about rodent control in their homes during the winter months. There are several ways people can tell if their property has become a shelter for these smallmammals:


this, rodents are often very noisy, making audible scrabbling noises.


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to their poor eyesight. People may notice grease marks where rodents have brushed up against walls and surfaces.


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Footprints: Rats can leave foot and tail marks in dusty, less- used areas of the home such


as the attic or basement. Shining a strong flashlight at a low angle should reveal tracks clearly. To establish if an infestation is active sprinkle fine flour or talc along a small stretch of floor near the footprints and check for fresh tracks the next day.


Burrows: Brown rats are well known for digging and excavating extensive burrow


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Droppings: Rats excrete dark, pellet-shaped droppings up to 14mm. Mice droppings are typically 5mm and spindle shaped. Smears: Rodents


use


established routes along skirting boards and walls due


systems for shelter, food storage and nesting. They build burrows next to old objects or structures, such as garden sheds or garages, and are also found in secluded, well- vegetated areas such as gardens.


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Damage: Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of rodent infestation, but also one of


the most difficult to spot. Gnawing marks, shredded paper and damage to food storage containers are all common signs of rodent activity. They may also chew through electrical


cables; potentially


damaging equipment and posing a possible fire risk.


Prevention is better than cure It is, of course, best to prevent rodents from entering a property in the first place. Sound advice for your employees to recommend to customers is that they do not provide these creatures with the


ideal conditions in which to thrive. Simple things like ensuring that their food waste is properly sealed and stored can make a big difference, as can sealing any obvious holes in the exterior of properties with wire wool, caulk, metal kick plates or cement. Some people might not think


that one mouse sighting warrants immediate attention, but a problem can escalate into something more serious if left untreated. Mice typically like to stay hidden out of sight, as it helps them feel safe, so seeing one mouse may be an indication of a larger problem. They also have a relatively quick reproductive cycle, so failing to act could create the conditions for an isolated issue to turn into a full infestation. Mice are hard-wired to gnaw to help keep their teeth at a manageable size, so they chew on just about anything they can


sink their teeth into. This could result in damaged cereal boxes, food containers, or even electrical equipment, as well as an increased fire risk. There are many products that can


be recommended, but it is best to ensure the customer has considered the size of any suspected rodent infestation before off-the-shelf products are bought. In addition, they should think about where best to place traps or bait in their properties and how these pests will be disposed of. If a customer has an infestation


they can’t bring under control or they are concerned they cannot deal with, encourage them to consider callin g pes t contro l experts . Professional pest


controllers


can provide the most advanced, effective treatments available and should be able to solve pest issues quickly.


08 FEBRUARY 2019 DIY WEEK 21


Smell and sound: Rats and mice have a very strong ammonia stench. On top of


With reports that the freezing weather will bring an unprecedented number of rodents into UK homes, Rentokil Pest Control UK product manager Berwyn Evans advises retailers that there has been an increase in rodent infestations recently and offers tips on how to best advise customers.

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