Pest cover: Five rat facts to consider

We’ve all read newspaper reports about the growing rat problem in the UK, but how many of us take this information away and use it to inform the way we live our lives? While estimates about the UK rat population can vary between studies – some put it at 80 million, others higher – there is one thing that the likes of the HSE and Keep Britain Tidy campaign appear to agree on: vermin is a growing problem.

If you’re thinking about taking out pest control insurance to cover yourself in the event of an infestation you may be looking for more information on the nation’s rat problem, including the types of locations they reside in and how they feed. Our handy guide tells you a little more about what you need to know, outlining the five key facts to consider about rats.

1. Rats can measure up to 25cm
Male rats are generally larger than females. The most common breed in the UK is the Norwegian or brown rats, while the black rat (Rattus Rattus) is more rare.

2. Rats live in close contact with humans
Many of the things humans need for a happy and secure life – food, warmth, shelter – are the same things that attract rats. Outside the home, they’ll commonly make their nest under piles of wood, in bushes, in and around rubbish or in gaps under buildings. Once inside your home, they’ll happily reside in wall or ceiling insulation, near the boiler or behind cupboards, counters and bathtubs. If you’ve got pest cover, some or all of the cost of this may well be covered under your policy.

3. Rats eat almost anything
It’s quantity rather than quality that they’re bothered about. So if you’re regularly providing scraps – perhaps intended for birds or other animals – they’ll keep coming back for more. Similarly, if your bins are left untidy and unsecure, this could be a valuable food source for a rat.

4. Rats make themselves known
Droppings, scratching noises and evidence of gnawing are all signs that you’ve got a rat problem. Burrows or nests could indicate that rats are in your home – or were until recently, meaning they may well return.

5. Rats can carry harmful diseases
If rats have managed to enter your home, you need to be aware that they can carry ringworm and leptospirosis (also known as Weil’s disease), which can prove fatal for humans. For this reason, immediate extermination is essential, which is where having pest cover could come in handy. Where there is no excess to pay, the work could end up costing you nothing – along with giving you the added bonus of peace of mind.