Pets we Control

Rats & Mice (Rodents)

The Removal and Prevention of Rodents in Colchester

Rats & Mice (Rodents)

The Removal and Prevention of Rodents in Colchester

There are some worrying statistics relating to rising rodent infestations across the country, and it’s widely touted that in some UK cities, there are as many rats as there are people. Whether you’re looking to remove rats or mice from your beloved home in Colchester or the surrounding areas, it’s crucial to act fast. Not only do they carry bacteria and viruses (such as Hantavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, tularemia and plague), but they are capable of chewing through many types of durable materials. This can include aluminium, cardboard, drywall, electrical wires, lead, insulation, floorboards, plastic, PVC pipe, roof shingles, soft concrete and brick.

 Your first port of call may be dashing out to your local hardware shop for a rat trap, cage or bait station, however, while rats and mice are rather adventurous in nature, they’re also neophobic and highly intelligent. This means they are cautious of new items, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for many of the basic traps bought off the shelf. 

What signs would indicate rat or mice infestations?

Knowledge is power when it comes to identifying and removing any infestation. While mice will likely leave very small, granular droppings, which are black or dark brown in colour, rat droppings are often much more prominent with round ends. Both will leave chew marks on furniture, but with rats, bite marks are approximately 1/8-inch long. Depending on the species, some mice leave behind a rather fishy smell, whereas with rats, the odour can be more pungent and musky. 

Here at Colchester Pest Control, we specialise in rodent proofing and prevention services, so we can take away the guesswork and put your rodent troubles to bed.  Our team of experts are 100% focused on delivering safe, swift and effective removal for all species of rat and mice, as well as prevention and sanitisation for long-lasting results.

Mice vs. Rats: Can you identify the species damaging your home?

There are just two species of rat here in the UK: the Brown Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) and the Black Rat (Rattus Rattus). If you were to glance back at medieval times, the Black Rat was the most common species, however, as the Brown Rat spread from Asia, it began displacing its smaller, nimble counterpart, especially in urban areas where people live and work. It’s not just the numbers that set these two species apart, but the physical attributes, habitat preferences, behavioural traits, and, of course, the health risks they pose. Black Rats are known for their speed and agility, with a preference for exploration and establishing nests in rural areas. Brown Rats are heavier and very good at digging and building complex burrow systems. Their omnivorous diet leads them to hunt for food in virtually any environment, whilst these rats are more aggressive in nature and of a much larger size. 

If you live in Colchester – whether that’s the city centre, Wivenhoe, Colne, Lexden, Elmstead Market, Bures, Dedham, East Bergholt, Leavenheath, Eight Ash Green or any other nearby town or village, it’s very likely that the Brown Rat will be causing you and your property issues. In our experience, we rarely come across Black Rats in this particular region. 

And what about mice? Well, there are various species here in the UK, with some of the most common being House Mice (Mus musculus), Field Mice / Wood Mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), Yellow-Necked Field Mice (Apodemus flavicollis) and Harvest Mice (Micromys minutus). There are also some species that are not technically mice but share similarities, such as Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus), Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) and Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius). This can lead to confusion, but if you’re based in the heart of Colchester City Centre, you’re likely facing issues with House Mice due to the fact this species is active all year round and can thrive in urban areas. In contrast, field mice are more common in rural parts of Colchester. 

Our team at Colchester Pest Control has a wealth of experience in carrying out rat pest control, management, and prevention. We’re also certified by the National Pest Technicians Association. If you would like to learn more about us and how we can remove and prevent pest issues for you, your family and your home once and for all, please don’t hesitate to send us a message or call us on XXXXX XXXXXX. 

Fleas

It’s well known that fleas can cause problems in the very cleanest of homes, and they can often arrive having jumped onto your pet’s warm body. They may be small, but their jump is mighty and don’t let the name fool you; they’re not likely to ‘flee’ any time soon! Whether you own a cat or a dog, you’ll likely know about the problems fleas can cause. It’s not only that their bites can cause itchiness, irritation and soreness, but fleas also have the potential to infect people or pets with the germs that cause flea-borne typhus, plague or cat scratch disease. It’s true that you can request your local veterinarian to provide flea treatment to prevent irritation and help remove fleas from your pet’s skin, but this approach is not always a surefire way to stop them coming back. A severe flea infestation necessitates complete removal.  

How serious is a flea infestation?

Absolutely, especially considering the fact they can transmit diseases. You also have to keep in mind that a single female flea can lay around 40 to 50 eggs a day, so it’s easy to comprehend how such an issue can spiral out of control, affecting all areas of your home whilst invading clothes, carpets and rugs. In our many years of experience providing flea pest control in Colchester, we can say a highly tactile two-pronged approach delivers the best results. First, you must, of course, treat your beloved pet, giving them the relief they need to thrive whilst eradicating the flea infestation in your home – and that’s where we come in. No matter where you live in Colchester, we can help you eliminate your infestation once and for all. The best starting point is to send us a message or call our friendly team today and book a discreet visit from our experts. 

Bed bugs

You’ve undoubtedly heard the phrase ‘don’t let the bed bugs bite’, and these tiny parasitic insects do just that, causing itchy bites, allergic reactions and plenty of other negative consequences. You’ll certainly know when you’ve been bitten by bed bugs because you’ll have itchy, red bumps that appear in a line or cluster – usually on exposed skin such as your face, arms or legs.

Infestations are most common in the UK in August and September, however, they can happen at any time, so if you think you have a problem escalating out of control, it’s essential to seek a pest control expert as soon as possible. 

What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?

The earliest sign is usually finding blood spots on your sheets or mattress, however, they can reside in many areas, such as your headboard, bedside tables, wall junctions and any loose wallpaper. Though they are tiny in stature, their reddish-brown hue can make them easy to spot, especially on white bedding. With no wings and a flat body, they are very good at crawling and clinging to clothing, furniture and, well, us! If you’re suffering from bed bug issues in Colchester or any other surrounding area, it’s crucial to deal with any potential infestation as soon as possible as these insects can multiply at a rapid rate, laying between one and 12 eggs daily and 200 to 500 eggs in a lifetime. Colchester Pest Control’s friendly team can ease your concerns and put those issues to bed once and for all quickly and efficiently. We offer affordable, fast and effective pest control services and dealing with bed bugs is one of our specialities. To learn more about us and how we can help you, please contact us today. 

Bird proofing

Birds may not instil the same sense of fear as other pests, and it’s rare for them to become a major problem. However, it does happen, and we’ve seen various species of birds cause damage and pose a safety risk throughout all corners of Colchester. Firstly,  they damage buildings with their droppings, which are high in uric acid and capable of corroding paint, metal and concrete! They can also dislodge roof tiles and fill gutters with debris, whilst some birds will attack people to protect their young. Whether you’re eager to wave goodbye to the greater black-backed gull, lesser black-backed gull, herring gull, feral pigeon, starling or any other species of bird, it’s crucial to have the right approach. At Colchester Pest Control, we deliver a humane approach to bird-proofing.

Smooth, stress-free bird-proofing services in Colchester

At Colchester Pest Control, we offer a meticulous approach to bird-proofing, which includes netting, spiking, bird gel and bird wire. We’ve seen many parts of  Colchester, Stanway, Wivenhoe, and surrounding areas become ideal roosting places for nuisance pigeons and seagulls (also known as Herring Gulls). Their droppings can spread diseases such as Ornithosis, Salmonella, and E. Coli, while the sheer acidity can burn through the clearcoat – not good news if you have a classic car on your drive! 

One of the most effective solutions that you’ll likely have seen in action elsewhere is pigeon spikes, which deter birds from perching without harming them. In fact, this method is recommended by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) as one of the most humane ways to prevent pigeons from settling on homes and businesses. Optical gel is another modern solution designed to spoof a bird’s sight, smell and touch – discouraging the birds  from landing,

 Insects

From ants and cockroaches to wasps, moths, and bees, Colchester Pest Control provides effective insect treatments across North Essex, following the highest industry standards set by the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).

Every pest problem is different, so we offer a range of treatments and preventative measures tailored to the insect in question. Whether you’re dealing with a persistent ant colony, a cockroach infestation, or a wasp nest posing a stinging hazard, our fast, reliable, and professional team is ready to help.

Expert Insect Control in Colchester and Beyond

From Colchester to Wivenhoe, Lexden, Elmstead Market, Bures, Dedham, East Bergholt, Leavenheath, Eight Ash Green, Ipswich and many other surrounding towns and villages, we provide a comprehensive range of insect control services. We resolve the majority of infestations and issues in just one visit. Our fully qualified and experienced pest technicians will swiftly identify, treat, and remove infestations discreetly whilst also providing expert advice on how to pest-proof your home for the future. If you’d like to learn more about our experience and services, please give us a call or send us a message. 

 Your first port of call may be dashing out to your local hardware shop for a rat trap, cage or bait station, however, while rats and mice are rather adventurous in nature, they’re also neophobic and highly intelligent. This means they are cautious of new items, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for many of the basic traps bought off the shelf. 

What signs would indicate rat or mice infestations?

Knowledge is power when it comes to identifying and removing any infestation. While mice will likely leave very small, granular droppings, which are black or dark brown in colour, rat droppings are often much more prominent with round ends. Both will leave chew marks on furniture, but with rats, bite marks are approximately 1/8-inch long. Depending on the species, some mice leave behind a rather fishy smell, whereas with rats, the odour can be more pungent and musky. 

Here at Colchester Pest Control, we specialise in rodent proofing and prevention services, so we can take away the guesswork and put your rodent troubles to bed.  Our team of experts are 100% focused on delivering safe, swift and effective removal for all species of rat and mice, as well as prevention and sanitisation for long-lasting results.

Mice vs. Rats: Can you identify the species damaging your home?

There are just two species of rat here in the UK: the Brown Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) and the Black Rat (Rattus Rattus). If you were to glance back at medieval times, the Black Rat was the most common species, however, as the Brown Rat spread from Asia, it began displacing its smaller, nimble counterpart, especially in urban areas where people live and work. It’s not just the numbers that set these two species apart, but the physical attributes, habitat preferences, behavioural traits, and, of course, the health risks they pose. Black Rats are known for their speed and agility, with a preference for exploration and establishing nests in rural areas. Brown Rats are heavier and very good at digging and building complex burrow systems. Their omnivorous diet leads them to hunt for food in virtually any environment, whilst these rats are more aggressive in nature and of a much larger size. 

If you live in Colchester – whether that’s the city centre, Wivenhoe, Colne, Lexden, Elmstead Market, Bures, Dedham, East Bergholt, Leavenheath, Eight Ash Green or any other nearby town or village, it’s very likely that the Brown Rat will be causing you and your property issues. In our experience, we rarely come across Black Rats in this particular region. 

And what about mice? Well, there are various species here in the UK, with some of the most common being House Mice (Mus musculus), Field Mice / Wood Mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), Yellow-Necked Field Mice (Apodemus flavicollis) and Harvest Mice (Micromys minutus). There are also some species that are not technically mice but share similarities, such as Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus), Common Dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) and Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius). This can lead to confusion, but if you’re based in the heart of Colchester City Centre, you’re likely facing issues with House Mice due to the fact this species is active all year round and can thrive in urban areas. In contrast, field mice are more common in rural parts of Colchester. 

Our team at Colchester Pest Control has a wealth of experience in carrying out rat pest control, management, and prevention. We’re also certified by the National Pest Technicians Association. If you would like to learn more about us and how we can remove and prevent pest issues for you, your family and your home once and for all, please don’t hesitate to send us a message or call us on XXXXX XXXXXX. 

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Boost your online presence with tailored social media strategies. From content creation to analytics, we ensure your brand engages the right audience and drives meaningful results.

Influencer Marketing

Leverage authentic connections with influencers to amplify your brand’s reach. Our campaigns are designed to build trust and deliver measurable impact.