Where rodents get in
Rats and mice need a gap the width of a pen to enter a building. Check where pipes and cables pass through walls, under door thresholds, around roof eaves and behind kitchen units. Sealing these openings does more for long term control than any single treatment.
The signs to look for
Small dark droppings along skirting boards, gnaw marks on packaging, shredded paper or insulation used for nesting, greasy smudge marks on walls, a sharp ammonia smell in cupboards, scratching sounds at night and pets showing sudden interest in one corner.
What to do first
Remove the food source. Store dry goods in sealed containers, empty bins nightly and clear clutter from storerooms. Then arrange an inspection so baiting and trapping are placed where the activity actually is, not where it seems to be.
Why professional control matters
Shop bought bait often moves the problem rather than solving it, and poorly placed poison creates a risk for pets and children. A proper programme combines baiting, trapping, entry point management and a follow up visit to confirm the activity has stopped.