(rattus norvegicus) has only been recorded in Britain since early in the 18th century. They seem to have entered the country through the shipping industry. There are two kinds of rats the common rat and the black rat.
It is thought that the black rat returned with the crusaders in the middle ages from possibly asia or western europe but saying that some rat remains have been found in romans remains in York and London dating back to the 3rd and 4th centries.
all rodents have the ability to adapt themselves to almost any situation. They have a fantastic reproductive rate and they are very cunning.
If rats are not controled then they can have the following affects to the human population
1: Disease 2: Contamination 3: Fear 4: Damage to property and belongings 5: Damage to food
Dartmoor pest control is a very caring company and has a control programme for every single situation weather it be domestic, commercial, or agricultural with a quick eradacation and on going prevention weather it be a one off visit or an ongoing prevention.The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus, also called the brown rat or sewer rat) is a destructive pest found in urban and suburban neighborhoods. These rodents eat and contaminate food, damage buildings and other property by their gnawing and burrowing, and may spread diseases that affect people and pets. Recognizing Rat Infestations The presence of rats can be detected by droppings or evidence of fresh gnawing.
Tracks can be seen in mud and on dusty surfaces. Runways and burrows may be found next to buildings, along fences or railroad tracks, and under low vegetation and debris. Rat Facts Norway rats are husky, brownish rodents that weigh about 11 ounces. They are about 13 to 18 inches long including the 6 to 8 1/2 inch tail. Their fur is coarse and mostly brown with scattered black on the upper surfaces. The underside is typically grey to yellowish-white
SIGNS OF RODENT ACTIVITY
Damaged, partially eaten fruits and nuts, such as walnuts, oranges, and avocados.
Broken snail shells under bushes, on fences or near nesting sites.
Signs of gnawing on plastic wood or rubber materials.
Greasy rub marks caused by the rat’s oily fur coming in repeated contact with painted surfaces or wooden beams.
Rodent droppings are usually signs of significant rodent activity. The droppings are randomly scattered and will normally be found close to a rat runway, feeding location, or near shelter. Droppings can be found in forced air heaters, swimming pool heater covers, and water heater closets.
Sounds (gnawing, etc.) from attic, subfloor areas and wall spaces.
Visual Sightings on utility cables, tops of fences, or in trees.
Burrows in the ground, and adjacent to sewer lines are signs of Norway rat. activity.
Rodent Control
Having Rodents nest in your house can cause problems, they can easily destroy or damage fabric materials to build their own nest, as well as gnawing at exposed wiring, making it a hazard to both the home and a working environment. Rats and Mice also carry diseased such as Salmonella and Weil's disease making having pests especially harmful in a house or hotel-like environment as people sleep and eat.
Signs that Mice or Rats may be nesting:
Scratching noises in walls or under the floor
Droppings - Rats leave dark tapered droppings 10-14mm long; mice leave small, dark droppings along walls or in places like cupboards.
Smell - Both Rats and Mice leave an ammonia-like smell that will be particularly strong in enclosed areas.
Damage – Rodents have teeth that grow continuously and gnaw on wood, plastic and hard materials. They can cause fires by chewing through cables.
Nests – rodents build nests in warm, hidden places using shredded material like fabrics and newspaper. Nests will often contain young and are usually behind fridges.
Burrows - In gardens, rats will dig burrows especially in compost heaps or under sheds and build nests under decking.
How to keep Rats and Mice Away
Mice and Rats can fit through tiny gaps, especially the young. Proofing your house by sealing any holes and putting bristle strip around doors will prevent entry.
Also Mice and Rats are attracted to food so cleaning behind the usual nesting places like Ovens, Fridges and in Cupboards and hoovering floors - especially kitchen floors regularly will prevent them visiting regularly. Ultrasonic Repellents can be used. These are devices that emit an annoying and uncomfortable sound which humans can't hear, but Rodents can. It is mainly used as a deterrent, for rats or mice attempting to enter a home or building, and is not recommended for Rodents already nesting as they can quickly acclimatise to the ultrasound.
How to Get Rid of Rodents There are many DIY methods to get rid of rats and mice including traps and poison, however if running a business, it needs to be dealt with quickly and efficiently as it may start to affect your business and loose customers if the problem is spotted.
Also if you have tried the DIY methods, and the problem persists, it needs stronger treatment by a professional, which will stop it straight away.
fety is of the utmost importance when dealing with Pest Control, so we are trained in the safe use of Rodenticides and Insecticides in accordance with MAFF and HSE Codes of Practice and Standards. We offer Pest Control treatment to Domestic, Commercial and Agricultural premises:
Devon & Cornwall rat & mice control
Mice and Rats can fit through tiny gaps, especially the young. Proofing your house by sealing any holes and putting bristle strip around doors will prevent entry. 
Ultrasonic Repellents can be used. These are devices that emit an annoying and uncomfortable sound which humans can't hear, but Rodents can. It is mainly used as a deterrent, for rats or mice attempting to enter a home or building, and is not recommended for Rodents already nesting as they can quickly acclimatise to the ultrasound.
