Due to the recent storms and rising river levels the rodent populations are seeking safe, high ground.
In this particular instance it was a wheat store near Boroughbridge that had become infested due to the river Ure levels rising rapidly. The recent floods that have affected York, Harrogate, Boroughbridge, Wetherby and surrounding villages will be causing rodents to seek safety possibly within the domestic environment.
Rat foot prints and tailswipes seen in the grain store.
As you can see on the pictures the rat foot prints and tail swipes are clearly visible. This particular farm was extremely cautious of rodent infestations and had precautions in place for any possible passing rodents. However the sheer number of migrating rodents leaving flooded fields and hedgerows was unprecedented.
We were contacted by the farmer on Boxing day 2015 explaining that within a 24 hour period it went from no rats to these sheds been infested. It was imperative to nip the issue in the bud and there was a contamination risk to the stored product. Time and getting the job done right first timewere key.
We carried out an intensive 24 hour treatment, we installed over 100 traps and set up with the air rifles.
Traps were set in place to remove the pests.
Within the time frame 37 rats were trapped and shot, once the treatment was carried out we installed cameras and monitoring points to locate any further rat activity.
We are happy to report no rats have been seen or tracks located since.
Explosive pest populations are quiet common; weather, environment and food availability are just a few reasons why pest populations can go from low too high in a matter of weeks or possibly days.
For advice on explosive pest populations or general pest issues give us a call.
Ask for Nick on 07716 467 460
