Earlier this month the BBC reported that calls to UK pest control companies have gone up by nearly a third since the start of this year's freezing winter weather.

Experts say the icy conditions have been driving the rodents inside where it's warmer and there's a supply of food and water.

One pest control company reported a 25-30% increase in calls to its support centre for rat and mouse infestations.

Councils in some parts of the country weren't able to take rubbish away for up to a month, which attracts rats to homes and businesses.

The bad weather often sees an increase in rodent activity within premises and this is a particular problem for food businesses.  A single breeding couple can quickly develop into a large colony resulting in loss of stock, unhygienic premises and potential closures by the Local Authority Environmental Health Department.

Rodents have also been know to cause damage to electrical cables and other services which can lead to problems such as a breakdown of internal communication systems or even a fire.

Once rodents have entered a building it is often difficult to locate and remove them.  Prevention really is much better than cure.

Rodent Prevention

There are a number of simple measure businesses can take to prevent access by rodents, who can enter through a gap as small a pencil.

• Where possible have a 1 meter wide zone around the premises which is clear of vegetation, rodents do not like crossing open ground.
• Ensure all waste is cleared from the outside of the premises so that rodents are not attracted into the area.
• External vegetation should be cut back so that it is clear of the ground.
• Keep Doors closed when not in use
• Ensure that all doors are close fitting- if day light can be seen under a door then a brush strip should be fitted to deter rodent entry.
• Inspect the building for potential access points and fill holes with wire wool and cement.  Holes are often left in external walls when services are removed or relocated.  Check around service entry points as these are often used by rodents to enter buildings.
• Low level ventilation grills should be covered with small gauge chicken mesh.

Remember many rodents can climb and higher level access points may require proofing against rodent access.

Early signs of Rodent Infestation

Even after all these measure are taken rodents may still enter the premises.  You be watchful for signs of an early infestation.

•  Evidence of gnawing on stock, racking, walls, cable etc.
• Droppings.
• A distinctive smell of urine.
• Smear marks (Dark patches on walls where dirt is rubbed off the rodents skin as they pass).

If you are unfortunate enough to discover rodents within your premises you should seek the help of a reputable pest control contractor or your local authority pest control team.  Ensure any contractor used is a member of the British Pest Control Association.

Any damaged stock, particularly food products, should be disposed off immediately.

The pest control contractor will advise on how best to proceed with the elimination of any pests within the premises.

• Areas where Hygiene may need to be improved.
• Additional proofing requirements.
• Baiting or trapping programme using bait boxes, traps, glue boards or a combination of all three. (In food premises open baits must never be used).

A good contractor will revisit every 2 to 3 days until all evidence of the infestation has ceased.

Food businesses are advised to engage a Pest Control contractor on a service agreement to make regular visits and advise on hygiene, proofing and other pest control measures.