Nobody wants to deal with rodents in their home. Not only are these pests a nuisance, but they can also pose serious health risks. And cause extensive damage to your property. And when it comes to dealing with rodents in drains, the situation can quickly escalate from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown nightmare. In this article, we will explain exactly which rodent occupies drains. And what signs you need to be on the lookout for. Additionally, we will explore the various challenges homeowners face when it comes to rodents in drains. And provide practical tips on how to protect your home from these unwelcome intruders. Don’t let these pesky critters take over your living space – learn how to handle the situation effectively and ensure a rodent-free environment for you and your family.
What type of rodents occupy drains?
If you have a rodent infestation within your drainage system then more than likely, the rodent in question is a rat. Rats live in sewers, due to the moist, warm, and safe environment the sewer provides. However, due to overpopulation, they have to leave the sewers in search of food and shelter. And how do they do this? By either creating or utilising damage within a sewer. Rats are able to chew through almost anything. Including concrete and pipes. This then allows them to access a private drainage system.
Signs of rodents in drains
There are several signs that you may have a rodent infestation in your drains. These include:
- Strange noises coming from your drains, such as scratching or scurrying sounds.
- Unpleasant odours emanate from your drains. A buildup of rodent droppings and urine will cause a distinct smell that is not pleasant.
- Sightings of rodents in or around your drains.
- Damage to your plumbing system. Such as chewed pipes or clogged drains.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action immediately to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Risks associated with rodent infestations
Rodent infestations can pose serious health risks to you and your family. These pests are carriers of disease and can contaminate your home with their droppings, urine, and saliva. Some of the diseases that rodents can transmit to humans include salmonella and hantavirus. These diseases can cause a range of symptoms. From mild to severe, and can even be fatal in some cases. In addition to the health risks, rodents can also cause extensive damage to your home. Considering they chew through wires, pipes, and insulation. This can lead to costly repairs. Or worse, floods and fires.
Preventing rodents in drains
The best way to deal with rodent infestations in drains is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are some effective prevention measures:
- Seal any gaps or cracks around your home’s exterior to prevent rodents from entering.
- Keep your drains clean and free from debris to discourage rodents from nesting.
- Install wire mesh screens over your drains to prevent rodents from entering.
- Store food in airtight containers and clean up any spills or crumbs immediately to avoid attracting rodents.
- Keep your home clean and clutter-free to make it less attractive to rodents.
- Install a Rat Flap.
By taking these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of a rodent infestation in your drains.
What do I do if I have rats in my drains?
While prevention is always better than a cure, rest assured that there is a solution to having a rat infestation. However, it is not something we recommend dealing with yourself. You need a professional drain company or a pest control company. Here at Total Drain Cleaning, we provide expert rodent services. We use specialised CCTV equipment. This allows us to check all your hard-to-reach pipework in order to identify where the rat enters and exits the drains. Once the damaged pipe has been located, we provide the necessary repairs. Then, once the repair is complete, we can install a Rat Flap within the drain. Thus preventing rats from entering the drains at any further time.
