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"The best way to deal with rodent infestations is not to have them in the first place." CRRU
I usually end a treatment by saying to the customer "you don't really want to see me again, but if you do need help don't hesitate to call."
The best pest control is to resolve the property defects
The goal of Three Counties Pest Control has always been to provide an initial solution to a rodent problem, but to also persuade the property owner that the best pest control is to resolve the property defects that have allowed the rodents to enter - think past the short term fix, consider the long-term solution and you won't need to see a pest technician again!
The CRRU stated in their Code of Best Practice: "Although they may be costly and require frequent maintenance, measures to prevent the ingress of rodents into buildings provide a long-term solution to rodent problems and are usually without adverse environmental impacts. These measures should always be implemented where practicable."
Measures to rodent proof a property can sometimes be very straightforward. There's a hole or gap that can simply be filled. Unfortunately, as you drive up towards many properties, you can see the problem before you've even got out of the van! You've crossed over from a simple hole filling exercise to building works.
And that's just obvious defects. A high proportion of rodent invasions emanate from out of sight, subterranean defects ie. drains and sewers.
The CRRU have explained that there are two main approaches to providing a long-term solution to rodent problems.
Exclusion, with the aim of keeping rodents out of vulnerable buildings.
Hygiene, with focus on denial of food and harbourage.
Exclusion, with the aim of keeping rodents out of vulnerable buildings
The CRRU guidance on Exclusion is as follows:
"Routine inspections and repair to identified faults or damage should be implemented. In most situations it is best to control the rodent infestation before carrying out any proofing work.
Although there may be some additional cost, the improvements will benefit the rodent control and prevention programme in the long term.
Metal baffles around services such as cables and pipes and kick plates on the lower edges of doors will prevent them being gnawed by rodents.
Door access that is only required occasionally can be temporarily proofed by adding a concrete fillet or wire mesh to the vulnerable ground level sections.
Depending on the circumstances, drainage pipes or gullies should be proofed by fitting grilles, flaps, crushed wire mesh or other suitable materials.
The staff on site should be made aware of the importance of avoiding the creation of rodent access routes and harbourages when undertaking building works, modifying existing structures and when making changes to the management of the building.
In the course of structural work it may be appropriate to incorporate access points to allow checks to be made for rodent activity and permit the placement of rodenticide baits."
Hygiene, with focus on denial of food and harbourage
The CRRU directions on Hygiene is as follows:
"a) Feedstuffs - It is essential, wherever possible, to prevent rodent access to food. Food storage structures should be proofed against rodent ingress.
Shortcomings in the storage and handling of food and feedstuffs, particularly where spillages occur and are allowed to remain, can be a significant factor in providing attraction for rodents and reducing the uptake and acceptability of rodenticide baits.
Spoiled foodstuffs should be disposed of in such a way that they are inaccessible to rodents.
Rats also require a source of free water, while mice in general do not. Water sources should be removed where this is possible.
b) Harbourage - Within and around buildings the availability of a wide range of materials will provide habitat for rodents. The following will encourage the presence of rodents:
a build-up of rubbish around and within buildings
suspended ceilings and uncapped block walls
wall and ceiling insulation materials with direct access to them for rodents
the long-term storage of materials such as wood shavings, straw/hay bales and packaging in areas accessible to rodents
stores containing equipment and spare parts
natural vegetation cover
ditches, hedges and banks, especially when poorly maintained
rubbish dumps, bins for fallen stock and incinerator sites
drainage systems and elevators or gantries that may provide a link between buildings
All these areas require attention if sites are to be made less attractive to rodents as places to live and breed."
Returning to the original statement by the CRRU above, they said that measures to prevent the ingress of rodents can "require frequent maintenance."
So there is a reality here. The more work a property owner does to rectify defects clearly is going to be helpful in minimising the probability of invasion, but it doesn't guarantee the prevention of re-invasion. Some properties can be particularly vulnerable because of the environment or location. Once a property has had an infestation the scent trails remain in place for future visiting generations, unless they are removed. Rodents are persistent in exacerbating vulnerabilities. Some pest controllers are reluctant to perform proofing works, because of the reaction of customers blaming them for re-invasion.
Three Counties Pest Control make advice on proofing a vital part of our service to you. When you first call us out, our survey will include guidance on how to protect your property from invasion or re-invasion. We are able to provide small proofing works directly and can arrange for more substantial works if needed.
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