Here at Falcon, we like to think of ourselves as more than just pest controllers. We are in fact, pest detectives. Our work is not always as easy as just walking into a property and scooping up a mouse or rat and removing it. These creatures are extremely clever, with the ability to sneak into the smallest of spaces undetected for quite some time. We explain the steps we take to locate the source of a pest problem and the steps that we will take to deal with it.
Locating the Source of the Problem
For some people that report a pest problem, the only evidence of a potential issue are noises in the night which may include scratching sounds from within the walls or overhead. The noises may sound like they are coming from the same room and leave you scratching your head as to where they are hiding.
That’s when you need the help of a good pest detective that can locate the unwanted guests before taking steps to remove them. To ensure that we identify the issue as soon as possible, we adopt the following process:
Interview the Property Owner
This is the first and most important step for our team of pest detectives as we need to know your experience of the problem. What makes you think you have a rat for example? Are you hearing noises from a certain room, have you found droppings or did you discover some chewed wires or other signs of rodent activity?
Survey the Exterior of the Property
How did the offending creature get in? Are there gaps in the walls, holes where mice, rats or squirrels could get in? We will survey the exterior of the property to check for even the smallest gaps that need to be filled to stop a repeat intrusion.
Investigate the Areas of Activity
If you have found droppings or evidence of chewed wires, we will carry out a thorough inspection of the area. This will give us more of an idea of the activity of the pests and help us identify where they are and how many there might be.
Use Tracking Gel
As part of our investigative work, we will also place a tracking gel. Don’t worry, this is only visible with UV light. It helps us to establish the habits of rodents and identify their possible entry or exit points. These areas will later be proofed to prevent re-entry.
Survey Other Areas
One area which can often be a hive of activity is the loft. There are many creatures that will make use of loft space for a number of reasons
- It’s dark which means there are lots of places to hide and remain undetected
- A warm space – heat rises so it’s the warmest place in the house
- High up away from humans – a safe place to shelter
- Easily accessible to rats, squirrels, wasps etc.
It’s not just the loft that we inspect. It may be adjoining rooms to those where activity has been detected, outside buildings, garages etc where rodents can make their homes, largely undisturbed.
Additional Steps to Detect Rodent Activity
We will also use a motion sensor camera to monitor nocturnal activity if the above steps don’t uncover the problem as well as taking additional steps to locate the source, find the intruders and then remove them from the property.
Once we have located and removed the pests, we will then proof the home. This involves blocking entry and exit points to ensure that there are no future invasions and that you can live pest free, enjoying a good night’s sleep without the worry of what might be creeping around.
If you believe you have a pest problem, don’t delay. Call in our team of pest detectives who will solve the case and help you live pest free. Call us on 01752 929292 to arrange your survey.
