RATS are likely to be on the rise in Wiltshire this autumn as the county already is high on a national rat league table, so householders should watch out for sightings of the disease-carrying rodents in homes and gardens.

A national survey by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) shows that in 2015/16 Wiltshire had 2,883 pest callouts for every 1,000 people living in the county, with 1,107 specifically for rats. Top rat hotspot was Bridgend County Borough Council's area, with almost 3,000 rat callouts per 1,000 residents, 93 per cent of its total number of callouts.

The pest control firm trade body is warning sightings could rise as colder conditions prompt rodents to abandon summer habitats and seek shelter in people's homes and that people should be doing all they can do now is protect their properties.

A typical home may have more than a dozen potential entry points for rats as they can get through gaps as small as 15mm, often through plumbing pipes and unscreened vents or gaps in the eaves and roof edges. Dee Ward-Thompson, BPCA technical manager, said: "The first evidence of rats in a home is often noises under the floor, in the walls or loft as that's where most will head to once they're inside. Quite apart from the health risks, they'll foul water tanks and chew on wood or electrical wires which can cause a lot of damage and poses a fire hazard. Rats also breed rapidly and will create nests in attics or walls, so it's vital to act as soon as any evidence is found."

The BPCA emphasises that higher numbers of rodent reports could be due to local authorities working proactively to manage issues caused by the infestations, but says that as it's much easier to prevent an infestation than to get rid of one if you take some simple precautions.

There include:

inspect properties thoroughly and seal up any external gaps or holes

remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy

ensure doors and windows can be closed properly and that drain inspection covers are well maintained

keep bins well maintained with their lids closed

cover compost heaps and do not leave pet food bowls out overnight.

It is important for anyone who does find an infestation in their home to employ recognized professionals, according to the BPCA, as rats must be dealt with by an expert. Mrs Ward-Thompson added: "Most people simply want the job done right first time and, by employing a company or individual affiliated with the BPCA, they can be sure they're using an expert in the field. We've established strict criteria to ensure the professionalism of our members so controllers carrying our logo will carry out safe, effective and legal treatments."