SWPest Management

SW Pest Management

Rodent advice

How to spot the signs of rats and mice, what attracts them and when to call a professional. Rats and mice are the most common pest problem across North Cornwall and North Devon. They are adaptable, they reproduce quickly, and they find their way into homes, sheds, outbuildings and businesses through gaps you would never notice. Spotting the signs early is the best way to keep a small problem from becoming a large infestation. Written by Jack from SW Pest Management, covering Bude, Launceston, Holsworthy and the surrounding area. Need help now? Call 07552372561 or request a quote.
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Quick signs to watch for

Quick signs to watch for

  • Droppings in cupboards, along walls or in the loft
  • Scratching or scurrying noises at night
  • Gnaw marks on wood, cables or food packaging
  • Nests made from shredded materials
  • A musky smell in enclosed spaces
When to call a professional

When to call a professional

If you are seeing droppings regularly, hearing activity at night, or have found a nest, call for advice. Rats and mice reproduce quickly, so early treatment is cheaper and easier than dealing with an established infestation.

Professional rodent control involves a survey, treatment of the active infestation and proofing advice to stop them returning. See rat and mouse control for the full service.

Common questions

What attracts rats and mice to my property?+

Food, water and shelter. Bird feeders, pet food, bins, compost heaps and gaps around doors and pipes all make a property attractive to rodents.

Are rats and mice dangerous?+

They contaminate food, damage property and gnaw electrical cables, which is a fire risk. They can also carry diseases, which is why professional treatment matters.

How quickly do rodents reproduce?+

Mice breed fast, which is exactly why an infestation should be tackled as soon as you spot the signs rather than waiting to see if it goes away.

Do you provide rodent control for businesses?+

Yes. We deal with rats and mice in shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs, holiday accommodation and other commercial premises. See [commercial pest control](/commercial-pest-control/). ---

Got a pest problem?

Call 07552 372561 for honest advice on what you are dealing with, or request a quote and we will come back to you the same day.

Call now