Do you have a nightmare about rats coming up your pipes and out of the toilet? You’re not alone as it’s a terrifying thought that bothers a lot of people – normally when they are just about to sit in the toilet!! Unfortunately, if you suspect you have rats on your property, they are more than likely entering via your drainage system.
It can come as quite a surprise to learn that rats can live inside drain pipes. They are actually quite comfortable and cosy in pipes! However, this isn’t good news for property owners. So, how can you find out if there are rats in your pipes?
The underground network of pipes and drains that make up your plumbing system are an ideal breeding ground for rats and this is how they can enter a property. They might have a nest somewhere but are using your pipes as their transport system. Rats are very agile and flexible creatures so don’t be fooled into thinking they can’t access very small gaps or tight bends. They are also skilled swimmers so could easily swim up the U-bend!
Don’t panic just yet though as this is still an unlikely route for a rat to take. They are far more likely to enter through a ground drain or hole in a wall. Signs to be mindful of include:
- Scratches on floors and walls
- Droppings
- Chew marks in rubbish, floors, walls and doors
- Nests
If you have these signs then your next step is identifying where they are getting in. If you suspect that they are entering through the drains, consider the benefits of CCTV Drainage Surveys from a company such as Wilkinson Environmental CCTV Drainage Surveys
Rats are quite happy setting up camp in even the smallest and narrowest pipes and drains and as you can’t see what is occurring beneath the ground, a CCTV survey will provide the answers to your rat questions. If evidence is found that you have undesired rodent company, there is no need to worry about having the garden dug up as there are many ways to fix drains and deal with rat nests in a far less invasive manner.
One of the ways that entry and exit points are revealed is by releasing smoke pellets into the pipes or drains. The smoke will flow out of any gaps or holes, revealing where the rats are getting in and out. This means that cracks, gaps and damage can be patched up without the need for excavation.
To keep the rats away from the property, ethical traps and gates can be used which cause no harm at all to the animal but seek to deter them from returning to your plumbing system! This should guarantee that no rats will be seen in your home and certainly not swimming up the U-bend of your toilet!
