Understanding Rats & Mice Infestations
Rats and mice are among the most common and problematic pests affecting homes and businesses throughout Hertfordshire. These rodents are not only destructive but can pose serious health risks to you and your family.
Common species in our area include: House mice, brown rats (Norway rats), and occasionally black rats. These rodents can squeeze through incredibly small gaps - mice through holes as small as a pencil width, and rats through gaps the size of a quarter.
Signs of infestation: Droppings, gnaw marks on food packaging or furniture, scratching sounds in walls or ceilings, grease marks along walls, strong ammonia-like odors, and sightings of live or dead rodents.
Rodents reproduce rapidly and can cause extensive damage by chewing through electrical wires, insulation, and stored items. They contaminate food sources and can spread diseases including Salmonella, E.coli, and Hantavirus through their droppings and urine.
Professional intervention is essential because rodents are intelligent creatures that quickly learn to avoid traps and baits. Our comprehensive approach includes identification of entry points, elimination of current populations, and prevention strategies to stop future infestations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you respond to a rodent problem?
We understand that rodent infestations require urgent attention. We typically respond within 24-48 hours of your call, with same-day service available for emergency situations. Our rapid response helps prevent the problem from worsening and reduces health risks to your family.
What methods do you use to eliminate rats and mice?
We use a comprehensive integrated approach including professional-grade traps, targeted baiting systems, and exclusion techniques. Our methods are safe for families and pets when used by our trained professionals, and we always explain our treatment plan before beginning work.
How do you prevent rodents from returning?
Prevention is key to long-term success. We identify and seal entry points, advise on environmental modifications, remove attractants, and provide ongoing monitoring. Our service includes follow-up visits to ensure the problem doesn't return, all covered by our removal guarantee.
Is your rodent treatment safe around children and pets?
Absolutely. We prioritize safety and use methods that are highly effective against rodents while being safe for your family and pets. All bait stations are secured and tamper-resistant, and we provide clear safety guidelines during and after treatment.
How long does it take to eliminate a rodent infestation?
Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the infestation, but most residential cases show significant improvement within 1-2 weeks. Complete elimination typically takes 2-4 weeks, followed by prevention measures. We provide regular monitoring until we're confident the problem is fully resolved.
What's included in your removal guarantee?
Our 100% removal guarantee means we'll continue working until your rodent problem is completely eliminated at no additional cost. If rodents return within our guarantee period, we'll return to re-treat the property free of charge. We stand behind our work completely.
Do you provide cleanup after rodent removal?
Yes, we offer comprehensive cleanup services including sanitization of affected areas, removal of droppings and contaminated materials, and deodorization. This is important for health reasons and helps eliminate scents that might attract other rodents to your property.
What should I do if I see a mouse or rat before you arrive?
Don't attempt to handle the situation yourself with store-bought products, as this can make professional treatment more difficult. Remove accessible food sources, seal food in hard containers, and avoid the affected areas if possible. Document any sightings or signs to help us assess the situation.
