As the winter months approach, a professional rat catcher from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, is warning homeowners to take action to prevent a rodent infestation. Kieran Sampler, 30, has been catching rats for over a decade and has seen a significant increase in the number of people finding rats in their homes over the past few months.
Rats are attracted to homes with poor drainage, food waste, and clutter. “Rats are intelligent creatures and can squeeze through tiny holes, so it’s essential to seal any gaps or holes in your home’s foundation or walls,” Kieran warns. He has seen some shocking cases of rat infestations, including one where a rat climbed up a drain and hid in the bottom of a toilet while a woman was using it. “It was a nightmare scenario,” he recalls. “The woman was screaming, and I had to act quickly to remove the rat.”
To prevent such scenarios, Kieran recommends taking action to rat-proof your home. This includes cutting back your garden foliage, as rats love foliage and will be attracted to it. He also suggests rat-proofing your decking, as rats love to hide underneath it. Additionally, Kieran recommends picking up your dog poo regularly, as dog poo can attract rats and lead to them entering your home. Reducing bird feeders is also a good idea, as they can attract rats and other pests.
Kieran also stresses the importance of checking your drains regularly for any signs of rat activity. Rats can enter your property through drains, so it’s essential to keep them clean and clear of debris. He also recommends keeping your garden clean and tidy, removing any food sources, such as pet food or compost piles, and sealing any holes or gaps in your home’s foundation or walls.
Kieran has developed a unique method of rat catching, training his two Lakeland Terriers, Poppy and Penny, to locate and kill rats in a “more humane” way. “They kill the rats in seconds,” he says. “It’s more humane than using poison in my opinion, which is why it’s never been made illegal. It also works quicker than poison – in a good way.”
Kieran’s business, Vermicure Pest Control, covers South and West Yorkshire, and he helps around 10 customers a day. He has also set up a Facebook page called Yorkshire Rat Pack, where he shares jobs and supports other rat catchers.
As the winter months approach, Kieran is warning homeowners to take action to prevent a rodent infestation. “This winter is going to be bad, I’m already getting farmers ringing me up two months in advance,” he says. “Winter time is a vital time for rats – they love foliage so if you’ve got heavy foliage in your garden, then I would recommended cutting it back. I would try and reduce bird feeders, you can’t force people to get rid of them because everyone likes them, but I would try and rat-proof them as best you can.”
Kieran has also seen some unusual places where rats have been found, including Wellington boots, at the back of hot tubs, the bottom of people’s wardrobes, the back of tumble dryers, and even in a client’s dog bed. “It’s crazy what I’ve seen,” he says. “Rats are clever and can squeeze into tiny spaces, so it’s essential to be vigilant and check your home regularly for any signs of rat activity.”
Kieran’s experience has also shown that rats are attracted to certain types of food, such as pet food, bird seed, and compost. “Rats love food, so it’s essential to store it properly and keep your home clean and tidy,” he says. He also recommends sealing any holes or gaps in your home’s foundation or walls, as rats can squeeze through tiny openings.
In addition to these tips, Kieran recommends using humane rat traps, such as the ones he uses with his dogs. “They kill the rats in seconds, and it’s a more humane way of dealing with the problem,” he says. He also recommends calling a professional rat catcher, such as himself, if you suspect you have a rat infestation.
Kieran’s business has been growing steadily over the past few years, and he now helps around 10 customers a day. He has also set up a Facebook page, where he shares jobs and supports other rat catchers. “It’s a great way to connect with other rat catchers and share tips and advice,” he says.
In conclusion, Kieran is warning homeowners to take action to prevent a rodent infestation this winter. By following his tips and taking action to rat-proof your home, you can keep your home safe and rodent-free. Remember to check your drains regularly, keep your garden clean and tidy, and seal any holes or gaps in your home’s foundation or walls. And if you do suspect you have a rat infestation, don’t hesitate to call a professional rat catcher, such as Kieran.