Rodents

A rodent infestation can quickly become a serious health, safety and property issue. Whether you’ve seen a single mouse in your kitchen, discovered rats in your garden, or heard squirrels running around your loft, taking action early is essential.

At Summit Pest Control, we provide fast, discreet and effective rodent control throughout Hertfordshire, including St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Hatfield and surrounding towns and villages. Our British Pest Control Association (BPCA) certified technicians identify the source of the problem, eliminate the infestation and help prevent it from returning.

How do I know if I have a rodent infestation?

Common warning signs include:

• Droppings in cupboards, lofts or under sinks.
• Scratching noises in walls, ceilings or loft spaces, especially at night.
• Gnaw marks on wood, cables, pipes or food packaging.
• Shredded paper, insulation or fabric used as nesting material.
• Strong ammonia-like odours caused by rodent urine.
• Visible burrows around sheds, decking or garden walls.
• Seeing rodents during daylight (often a sign of a larger infestation).

Even spotting a single rodent can indicate many more are hidden nearby.

Mouse Control

Why are mice a problem?

Mice are one of the most common household pests in Hertfordshire. They are agile, quiet and capable of squeezing through openings as small as 6mm, making them extremely difficult to exclude once established.

Perhaps their biggest advantage—and your biggest problem—is how quickly they reproduce. A small infestation can become a major one in just a few months.

Problems caused by mice

Mouse infestations can result in:

• Food contamination through droppings and urine.
• Spread of bacteria and potentially serious diseases.
• Damage to food packaging and stored goods.
• Constant gnawing of timber, plasterboard and plastics.
• Chewed electrical wiring that can create a fire hazard.
• Damage to insulation and loft spaces.
• Loss of business reputation where customers spot evidence of rodents.

Because mice constantly need to gnaw to keep their teeth short, they often damage electrical cables, plumbing, furniture and building materials.

Can mice make you ill?

Yes.

Mice contaminate surfaces wherever they travel, particularly kitchens, food storage areas and commercial premises.

They may spread harmful bacteria through:

• Droppings
• Urine
• Saliva
• Contaminated food packaging

For restaurants, cafés, warehouses and food businesses, even a small mouse problem can become a serious hygiene issue.

Rat Control

Why are rats more dangerous than mice?

Rats are larger, stronger and generally cause far greater damage than mice.

Both brown rats and black rats are capable climbers, swimmers and burrowers, allowing them to enter properties through surprisingly small gaps.

Unlike mice, rats can inflict significant structural damage while searching for food and nesting sites.

What damage can rats cause?

Rat infestations commonly result in:

• Food contamination.
• Serious property damage.
• Chewed electrical wiring.
• Damaged plumbing pipes.
• Gnawed floorboards and joists.
• Damage to walls and insulation.
• Burrowing beneath patios, sheds and garden structures.
• Destruction of stored goods.

Rats are powerful gnawers and have been known to chew through timber, lead, plastic pipework and softer building materials.

Are rats dangerous to people and pets?

Yes.

Rats present genuine health risks because they:

• Carry bacteria and parasites.
• Contaminate food with urine and droppings.
• Can bite if cornered.
• May transmit diseases including Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) and Salmonellosis.

If you suspect rats are living in or around your property, professional treatment should be arranged as soon as possible.

Grey Squirrel Control

Are squirrels really pests?

Although many people see squirrels as harmless wildlife, grey squirrels are an invasive, non-native species and can cause extensive property damage when they enter buildings.

Lofts provide warm, sheltered nesting sites, making them particularly attractive.

What damage do squirrels cause?

Grey squirrels have extremely strong teeth and may damage:

• Roof timbers.
• Loft insulation.
• Electrical wiring.
• Water pipes.
• Stored belongings.
• Roof vents and soffits.

They can also be surprisingly aggressive if cornered or protecting young.

Early removal usually prevents far more expensive repairs later.

Rodent Proofing & Prevention

How can I stop rodents entering my property?

Professional proofing is one of the most effective long-term solutions after an infestation has been cleared.

We recommend:

Remove food sources

• Store food in sealed metal or glass containers.
• Clean up crumbs and food spillages promptly.
• Empty bins regularly.
• Keep external bins securely closed.
• Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.

Reduce garden attraction

Rodents are attracted to sheltered gardens.

Help reduce the risk by:

• Clearing piles of wood and garden debris.
• Keeping vegetation trimmed.
• Removing excess bird seed beneath feeders.
• Managing compost heaps carefully.
• Avoiding standing water where possible.

Block entry points

Rodents only need very small gaps to gain entry.

Potential access points include:

• Pipe penetrations.
• Air bricks.
• Damaged brickwork.
• Gaps beneath doors.
• Broken vents.
• Roofline defects.
• Holes around utility services.

Brown rats frequently burrow beneath decking, sheds and walls, while black rats are excellent climbers and often access roofs and lofts.

Our technicians can identify these vulnerable areas and recommend practical proofing measures to reduce future infestations.