The black rat was the only known rat in England until the 18th century, at which point it was ousted by its aggressive cousin, the brown rat. Populations of black rat are now very rare.

The Brown Rat

The brown rat originated from Asia and China. It was first recorded in Europe at the beginning of the 18th century. Referred to as the Norway rat because it was thought that originally they travelled from the East on Norwegian timber ships.

The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) tends to have smaller ears and eyes, and a blunter nose.

The colour of the brown rat can vary but is usually brown to grey on their backs with a lighter underside. As already mentioned the ears and eyes are small and the tail is slightly shorter than the head and body. The tail is dark above and lighter below. The adult brown rat weighs between 400 – 500 g and has between three and six litters per year, with the litter size being eight to ten. The brown rat reaches maturing in 2 – 3 months and the average lifespan is 12 months.The age of the rat can however sometimes lead to confusion when identifying the type of rat, with the young of both species tending to have larger eyes and ears proportionally.

The age of the rat can however sometimes lead to confusion when identifying the type of rat, with the young of both species tending to have larger eyes and ears proportionally.

The Brown Rat is incredibly adaptable and will live anywhere where there is access to food, water and shelter. Brown Rats are omnivorous and will eat just about anything from fruit and seeds to human food waste, insects, birds eggs and even small mammals. They eat on average one-tenth of their body weight each day.

Commonly to be found around towns and cities. Brown rats are expert climbers, jumpers and swimmers. Originating from Asia these rats rapidly colonised with a pair of brown rats able to multiply to 200 in one year.

In domestic situations, the Brown Rat will be found living in roof spaces, wall cavities or under floorboards. In gardens, they tend to burrow into grassy banks or are often to be found under sheds. Brown Rats can also be found living in sewer systems.

The brown rat, also known as water rat, sewer rat, long tails, has neophobia and therefore there is a tendency to avoid new objects for several days. As a result, despite their eager nature to explore new locations they will also avoid baits placed on their runs. Therefore this should be remembered and taken into account when baits are checked after an initial treatment.

Prevent Rats Entering Your Premises With Us

Rats tend to be disliked by most people. Rats spread disease, contaminate foodstuff and in addition, can cause serious damage to buildings and materials. The capability to carry serious disease is a major issue with most people and the main reason why people fear rats. Weill’s disease, murine typhus, salmonella bacteria, parasites, viruses and worms are just some of the health issues that can be associated with Rats.

Rats the same as mice, continually gnaw on solid objects. The damage rats cause in buildings can prove to be very costly. Amongst this the potential for causing fires which can be extremely costly in some cases hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage if cables and wires are gnawed. It may be hard to believe but gas and water pipes can also be at risk from being gnawed. In addition continual rat burrowing can cause serious subsidence to buildings.

It is important that a programme of pest prevention is put in place to prevent rats entering premises.

Contact us today for your free quote.

Mice are often perceived to be less dirty than rats, it is assumed that they carry less disease and cause far less damage. However, in reality, the reverse could be said to be true.

Unfortunately, their natural and constant gnawing habit can lead to expensive damage to your property and whilst mice are less visible they able to produce in the region of 30,000 droppings and 0.75 litres of urine a year. Therefore it should never be forgotten that mice pose a real threat to public health and hygiene.

Mice can prove to be more difficult to manage than rats.

Taking into account that a female mouse and her offspring can produce 15,000 mice per year with mice leaving behind droppings, urine and hair strands wherever they travel invariably contamination will occur.

Mice can commonly be carriers of Tapeworms, Salmonella, Lymphocytic Choric Meningitis and Murine Typhus. Therefore whilst many people have a much more relaxed attitude towards mice, in real terms mice have the ability and potential to spread disease much further. Year on year the number of rodents increases and this situation is exacerbated by the fact that resistance to many of the traditional baits is becoming apparent.

The House Mouse

The House Mouse, (mus domesticus) originated from Central Asia. As early as the 9th-century mice have been found in this country. The House mouse will drink water if available but can survive on food with a moisture content of 15%. Mice are omnivorous and the signs of a mouse feeding are quite distinct from those of a rat. Whole wheat for instance which has been partly eaten by mice has a kibbled appearance. However, whole grain, partly eaten by rats will have a cut or chopped appearance. The House Mouse is brown to grey with a lighter underside. The ears are large and the eyes small. The tail is slightly shorter than the body length. The Adult will weigh between 10 – 25 g and has between 5 and 8 litters per year. The litter size being between 4 and 8 and maturity is reached between 6 and 8 weeks.

The House Mouse is brown to grey with a lighter underside. The ears are large and the eyes small. The tail is slightly shorter than the body length. The Adult will weigh between 10 – 25 g and has between 5 and 8 litters per year. The litter size being between 4 and 8. Maturity is reached between 6 and 8 weeks and the average lifespan is 3 – 4 months.

How We Can Help

N.P.C. BPCA (British Pest Control Association) certified surveyors work with clients in regard to assessing their premises.

Our survey process identifies points of entry and enables the surveyor to advise on both eliminating the infestation and where required proofing methods to avoid further situations of occurrence. The best way to deter mice from entering a property is to identify and block entry points. Mice possess soft skeletons and the best way to deter mice from entering a property is to identify and block entry points. It should be remembered that as mice possess soft skeletons they are able to enter through gaps no bigger than a pencil. In addition with mice possessing the ability to climb certain vertical surfaces, it is important that high as well as low-level entry points are surveyed.

Following the survey, our BPCA certified Technicians commence the plan of prevention agreed with your surveyor. The N.P.C. fully trained and experienced team of surveyors and technicians possess an extensive range of experience across both service and technical areas within the pest control industry working within all sectors including food processing, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and domestic premises.

Call N.P.C. today to discuss ways for preventing costly damage to your premises.

Unfortunately, there are numerous human pathogens associated with pigeons, these include those that can be dangerous or even deadly. Therefore pigeon infestations can provide a serious health risk.

In previous studies, 60 different microorganisms were associated with feral pigeons and these were capable of causing human disease. Fungi accounts for the majority of microorganisms that were found.

Whilst it would be true to say that pigeons pose a much lower health risk from disease transmission in comparison with rodents or flies the risk still remains. Significant risks arise where large and long-standing pigeon roots are present. Histoplasmosis and Crytococcosis may be found growing in and under bird droppings. Both of these disease organisms cause respiratory disease and can produce deadly infections. In addition allergenic hypersensitivity pneumonitis a disabling lung disease can result from a reaction to airborne debris from bird feathers and droppings.

There is a lesser-known but also dangerous health threat associated with bird roosts. Allergenic hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a potentially disabling lung disease, not caused by an infectious agent, but by an allergic reaction to airborne debris from bird feathers, droppings, and other bird proteins. Experts estimate that from one to five percent of individuals exposed to bird proteins (antigens) will develop symptoms.

Where a person has a depressed immune system they can be particularly susceptible to some of the human pathogens which are carried by pigeons. Therefore it would be unwise not to control flocks of pigeons which form to hospitals, nursing homes, medical clinics and other sites of a similar nature.

The control of birds and associated bird proofing needs to be carried out by suitably trained Pest Prevention Technicians. Often working at height this work can be dangerous and involves a high degree of Health & Safety and the knowledge that comes from being fully trained to BPCA standards.

Contact us today for help with professional pigeon prevention.

Pigeon Proofing

Pigeon proofing is a form of pest prevention to a building to prevent roosting.  Excluding pigeons from a building by the use of netting under canopies, to the front fascias of buildings for instance.

Where it may be difficult to net the use of spikes on plastic strips, spiking at different angles can form an obstruction in order that the pigeons will not land but fly off.

In addition, bird gel ( which gives the impression to the pigeon that a building is on fire) can be extremely effective.

Unfortunately, pigeons will often become comfortable with certain pest prevention methods such as the use of plastic owls, hawks, balloons or flying hawks.

Please visit our bird proofing page for more information on how we can help. 

Unfortunately, birds can be a real nuisance in public places and pose a threat in respect of the spread of disease.

Whilst bird droppings (guano) obviously create costly bills in connection with the removal and cleaning process. These droppings also pose a serious health risk.

Ledges, rooftops, statues, and derelict buildings can all provide roosting areas for birds such as pigeons and gulls.

Whilst Bird spikes can be a very effective method of preventing birds roosting to certain areas of buildings.  This preventative measure may not necessarily work to all areas of a building.

At N.P.C.  we therefore use various methods of bird control ranging from netting, meshing, wiring, bird spikes and gel. In addition, where necessary our trained marksmen are available to undertake shooting.  Risk and method statements are provided for all work undertaken by NPC and when working with guns or indeed at height Health & Safety is paramount.

The damage caused to buildings by pigeon guano can, as already mentioned be costly and is obviously both unsightly and a health hazard.  The clearance and cleaning of pigeon droppings (guano) is a service which can be undertaken by N.P.C.

Initially one of our fully qualified Surveyors would attend site in order to undertake a free of  charge survey.  The survey is undertaken in order  to ascertain the best and most cost-effective methods of treating the bird infestation. The site survey provides recommendations together with the associated costs.

Pigeon Proofing

The aim of Pigeon proofing is to ultimately prevent roosting and to exclude pigeons from a building by the use of various methods forinstance netting under canopies and to the front fascias of buildings.

Where it may be prove difficult to net the use of spikes on plastic strips and in addition spiking at different angles can form an obstruction. This has the effect of deterring pigeons, resulting in the pigeons not landing but flying off.

In addition, bird gel (which gives the impression to the pigeon that a building is on fire) can be extremely effective.

Unfortunately, pigeons will often become comfortable with certain pest prevention methods such as the use of plastic owls, hawks, balloons or flying hawks and therefore the advice of one of our fully trained Pest Prevention Surveyors can prove to be invaluable.

For more, please visit our pigeon information page. 

However, the squirrel is very destructive, the damage caused by these cute creatures and the nasty nature they possess in turn causes problems. The problems presented to humans should therefore not be underestimated.

Often a squirrel will chew its way into a garage or attic area where they will then nest, store food or in some instances both.  Squirrels are not only destructive but they tend to be noisy as well, in fact they actually snore. Squirrels not only damage the building structure but will also damage insulation if they gain access to loft areas.

In Britain there are two species of squirrels the smaller native red squirrel and the larger grey squirrel, introduced from North America. Over the past 100 years the grey squirrel has displaced the red squirrel. Whilst red squirrels seldom achieve pest status and are protected by law. The grey squirrel causes considerable damage and are considered as pests.

Prevention is always the best option when dealing with rodents and therefore certain steps should be taken when faced with a potential squirrel problem. The first of these is to trim or remove branches of trees which are within seven to 10 feet from the roofs of buildings. Squirrels are accomplished at jumping and this prevents the squirrels from jumping from the tree onto your properties roof. Bird feeders are an attractive food source for the squirrel and therefore these should be removed.

Relaxing Eastern Grey Squirrel

Whilst squirrels should hibernate they can be seen throughout the winter months.

Methods of controlling squirrels consist of shooting, trapping using cage and spring traps and the use of poison baits.

If you have a squirrel problem please contact us. One of our fully qualified BPCA Surveyors will undertake a free of charge, no obligation survey to advise of the best method of dealing with the issue.

NPC have invested in a dedicated insulation team with extensive industry experience. They have accumulated specific skills that allow us to carry out the installation of a range of systems in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. The team operate a flexible working approach with our clients allowing work to be scheduled with minimal impact on business operations.

Professional surveys undertaken by our specialist Surveyors who take into account the established patterns of bird behaviour enables NPC to advise on the most suitable solutions. NPC have extensive knowledge and expertise across a wide range of sectors. As a result, we are able to develop site-specific packages that deal with pest bird issues.

Obviously taking into consideration the specific access equipment required will form part of the survey process when recommending the installation of various bird prevention systems.

NPC’s extensive knowledge and safe working practices ensure the work is completed in a safe manner with risk assessments and method statements being compiled prior to the commencement of any bird proofing scheme being undertaken.

NPC have extensive industry experience working with many organisations to provide a range of solutions for pest bird issues. Our professional team are pleased to give advice and provide options suitable for your premises.

Netting systems
Spike systems
Bird wire
Culling
Wildlife management
Optical bird gel
Fouling Removal
Bird Determents
Falconry Services

The peak breeding season for pigeons is between March and July. However, feral pigeons are capable of breeding all year. Feral pigeons can be found throughout Great Britain and to most parts of the world.  Descended from rock doves it explains why pigeon nests are often found on buildings and other structures, to ledges or under eaves or girders.

Normally weighing in the region of 275 -550 gm and 300 – 350 mm in size, the pigeon’s plumage tends to be blue/grey, reds and blacks in hue. Pigeon nests can be made of literally anything these birds collect. Unfortunately, even needles have been known to be used. Therefore care needs to be taken when removing a nest.

Feral pigeons are scavengers and it is common to see several hundred birds at food premises, docks and mills where spillage is often abundant. The feeding of pigeons by the public in urban environments encourages pigeon activity.

Unfortunately, Pigeons carry numerous diseases and the problems they cause include contamination of food, fouling of buildings with the guano causing corrosion, fouling of footpaths which can result in safety hazards, noise pollution, and disease spread through their droppings.

The main species causing bird problems are the feral pigeon. However, gulls, starlings and sparrows are all nuisance birds and in addition, often found around farm buildings crows and rooks may also need control.

Pigeons come under schedule 2 part 2 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act general licence pest birds. Which therefore means during any stage in the year birds can be culled with eggs and nests being destroyed.

Moles are small mammals which eat worms and mole nests are often to be found adjacent to hedgerows or fences. The diet of the mole consists primarily of earthworms and small invertebrates which are to be found in the soil.

The problems associated with moles and their burrowing include killing to areas of lawn, undermining plant roots, damage to agricultural machinery by the exposure of stones, damage to plants when the mole disturbs the soil, the reduction of pasture due to the covering of the pasture with soil which reduces its yield and in additional damage to drainage systems.

mole mounds / Mole mounds on spring grass in the middle of the garden

Mole catchers years ago were a part of country life in Britain and this was the case up until the middle of the 20th century. Some specialised operators still remain.

Moles are extremely sensitive to unusual odours and therefore if control by the use of traps is to be successful then gloves should be worn when setting the traps. In addition, traps should be buried in the soil to ‘weather’ the metal prior to use.

When a trapping programme is commenced firstly, the run has to be located, a section of turf is removed, a hole dug into the run to accommodate the trap. The trap will then be set in line with the run. The turf is replaced blocking any light from filtering into the run.

Scissor traps will often be used as they have the advantage that when set the ends are visible. Therefore this type of trap is easily monitored.