Rodents Both rats and mice like to gnaw
Rats; Rats are among the most hated and feared animals that share the same space as humans. There are some 500 species of rat, but the one you are most likely to meet in Ireland is the Brown Rat ( Rattus norvegicus ), which was first identified in the British Isles in the 18th century, and is thought to have been introduced from Russia.
Rats may give birth every 24 - 28 days to litters of between 6 - 11 pups. These pups then reach sexual maturity in 8 - 12 weeks, which can lead to large infestations in a relatively short period of time.
It is important to control rat infestations because they will damage property by chewing cables and pipes and they also carry potentially fatal diseases e.g. Weils Disease (Leptosporosis), Salmonellosis, Rat Bite Fever, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis.



Am I living with rats? The following will help you decide if you have a problem;

*Are there unusual noises in the walls, attic , under the floor or in your cupboards etc.?

*Is there a strange smell ?

*Is there any damage to food packaging or fruits / Vegetables etc. ?

*Has your house alarm or electric’s failed ?

*Do you have any leaks from pipes or appliances ?

*Is there any sign of droppings ?

*Any unexplained damage to furniture or fittings ?

*Are your pets behaving in an unusual manner ?

*Are there holes in the garden ?

If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, then you may have a problem with rat infestation.

What do I do ?
The first thing to do is DON’T PANIC. All rat infestations are controllable. The most effective way to control a rat problem is to call a trained, qualified professional who will be able to identify and control your problem efficiently and safely.

Why call the experts ?
It is very important to correctly identify the type and extent of the infestation so that the most effective and safest control measures are employed, whether they are mechanical or chemical. At AAA Aardvark Pest Control Ltd, we use a whole range of chemical, non chemical and mechanical means of controlling rat infestations depending on the particular needs of our clients and their site. Ultra-sonic devices, while promising the earth simply do not work. While these devices are readily available to this company and represent a significant opportunity to make good profits, we do not employ them due to their failure rate. Before deciding the best course of action, our experienced technicians will conduct a safety survey of your site, taking into account whether there are children, pets or any other safety issues and will consult with you so that all of your questions can be answered.

The main causes of the failure of DIY control are;

*Incorrect identification of species.

*Lack of knowledge of biology and behaviour

*Incorrect placing and dosage of rodenticide or traps leading to bait shyness

*Failure to identify entry and access points.

MICE
Mice cause much of the same damage and health concerns as rats, although they are not feared as much, however their breeding pattern is the same and therefore it is just as important to take the same steps in order to control their populations. To determine whether you have a mouse problem and to solve it safely and efficiently it is important to follow the same steps as detailed in the section on rats.
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