Rat Race: Donegal warned of major rise in rodent activity this autumn

Donegal could see a significant increase in rat activity over the coming months, with one of the North West’s most experienced pest control experts warning that the conditions could be just right for the rodents to thrive.

Patricia Page, owner and director of North West Pest Control Ltd, says Donegal and the wider North West could be facing a particularly busy autumn and winter for rats and mice.

Affectionately known as ‘The Ratwoman’, Patricia has worked as a pest technician for 35 years and has dealt with hundreds – if not thousands – of homes across Donegal and Derry.

While predictions about increased rat activity tend to surface every year as the weather turns colder, Patricia believes there is genuine reason to expect a surge this year.

“I see these articles popping up around the same time every year, however, in this instance, we could well see an increase in rat activity,” she said.

Patricia believes the unusually warm summer has contributed to conditions which could help rat numbers increase.

The good weather encouraged people to spend more time outdoors, with barbecues, picnics and takeaway food all providing additional opportunities for rats to find food.

“Unfortunately, a lot of people tend not to take their waste home with them, resulting in overfilled bins and accumulated food waste,” Patricia explained.

There has also been a plentiful natural food supply, with the year's harvest providing another source of nourishment for rodents.

And when there is plenty of food available, Patricia says the consequences are predictable.

“With good feeding comes good breeding.”

That means Donegal householders could be more likely to encounter rats as the year progresses, particularly once the weather begins to deteriorate.

Patricia expects the change in conditions to be particularly important.

“Come autumn, winter time with a drop in temperatures and heavy rainfall this could drive rats and mice to seek shelter,” she said.

That shelter could be an outhouse or shed – or, in the worst-case scenario, inside your home.

Patricia's advice is to get ahead of the problem by carrying out a thorough inspection around your property before the colder and wetter weather arrives.

Check walls and foundations for holes and gaps, as well as broken vents, open expansion joints and areas around oil burners.

Even seemingly insignificant gaps can provide an entry point.

“A rat can get in hole around the size of a 50p – 12 to 20mm – and a mouse the width of a pencil, around 6mm,” she warns.

Food should also be stored carefully. Pet food, bird seed and flower seeds kept in sheds should all be placed in sealed containers.

And while feeding garden birds is a popular pastime, Patricia says it can inadvertently create a rodent feeding station.

“Feeding birds is a huge attraction for rats and mice.”

She recommends using rodent-proof bird tables and keeping the ground beneath them clear of food and debris.

As for some of the popular home remedies, Patricia isn't convinced that peppermint oil or ammonia will solve a rat problem.

“These do not work; you may get a temporary reprieve, but remember, rats can get used to smells very quickly. They're highly adaptable to their surroundings. Don't forget that they thrive in sewers and food waste, so pungent smells won't deter them.”

She also strongly advises against using ammonia indoors because of the potential risk to humans and pets, including lung irritation.

Ultrasonic plug-in devices don't get much of a vote of confidence either.

Patricia says that, despite having customers who swear by them, her 35 years in pest control have given her a different perspective.

“I've been in 100s if not 1000s of homes over my 35 years as a Pest Technician and have customers point out the plug-ins and asking me if they work,” she said.

“I always reply: ‘If they did work sure I wouldn't be standing here!’”

Her message to Donegal householders is simple: make homes difficult for rodents to enter, keep gardens clean and tidy, store food securely and take care when feeding birds.

And perhaps most importantly, don't wait until you see the tell-tale signs of a rat before taking action.