This loft had had a previous rat infestation and the pest controllers fed the rats poison. The blue pieces on the insulation are the remnants of poison bait. The controllers probably killed some of the rats in the loft at that time but didn't change the rodent carrying capacity of the loft or prevent entry to the house (which I found was an uncovered rodding point). This meant that harbourage, nesting material and access where still available after their short term treatment. The droppings and oily smears on the insulation have since attracted new rats to the loft and the problem has started again-this time affecting every house in the row.

Residents living in a row of 8 terraced properties had a serious rat infestation. The rats were present in all 8 houses to varying degrees. Those nearest this damaged manhole cover were the most heavily infested. 

Rats had chewed their way into this out house and were using it as a home.

Evidence of a rat infestation in a loft.

Space behind skirting boards used by mice to move around a room.

Traps baited with peanut butter and ready to be set.

Rat nest in a loft.

A customer heard some scratching in her loft. Rather than ignore it or presume it to be birds, she called me in. A few days later we caught the unwanted guest.

Thankfully this big rat was caught before it could cause any serious damage.

This rat thought it would be a good idea to live behind my shed. Think again Mr rat.......

Non-toxic monitoring is important and allows you to see where rodent activity is taking place.

Rats chewed through this mouse trap safety box for a small bit of chocolate spread. Less than 24 hours later I caught two rats at this spot.

A variety of non-toxic control methods works well for rats and mice.

The DOC trap is a very powerful and safe trap that is ideal for rats. It was designed by the New Zealand government to control stoats.

Brown rats like to eat smelly, oily foods. This one fell for a mixture of meat spread, chocolate, corn and peanut butter.

Non-toxic monitoring is an important part of pest control. How the wheat is eaten tells me which species is present.

Rodenticide place packs allow me to accurately place poison in places of rodent activity that are difficult to reach. The rodent will rip the bag open and eat the poison inside. These can only be used in certain places.

Rats have a greater bite pressure than a pit bull. Much greater.

Big. Very big.

Night vision. New tech for an old adversary.

Monitoring blocks and a place pack will let me know if rats are using this inspection chamber to enter the house.

Non-toxic control method used around a chicken coop.