by Johnathan MorrisonAre Cats Good For Rodent Control?
Cats are considered good hunters that protect properties from rodents, but is this really true? With temperatures dropping and the weather becomes wetter, rats and mice can start looking for more sheltered places with reliable food supplies.
Homes, commercial premises, garages and outbuildings can provide exactly what they need, causing issues such as public health outbreaks and property damage.
Many property managers looking to prevent rodents from gaining access to their space consider getting a cat, but this isn’t always the ideal solution.
As a leading provider of rodent control, dealing with rats, mice and squirrels across Belfast, Lisburn, Antrim, Newtownards, Bangor, Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Dundonald, Dunmurry, Ballyclare, Newtownabbey, and throughout Northern Ireland, Flytech Pest Control Solutions has put together this guide on using cats for rodent control and why cats may not be the answer to your rodent problem.
Key Takeaways
- While cats may be useful for deterring rodents, they’re not skilled at hunting rats and mice in tight spaces
- Rats and mice are highly flexible and able to hide in tight spaces away from predators like cats
- Larger rodents, such as squirrels and big rats, can evade small cats or even scratch them
- Always make sure you buy a cat for the right reasons and have the ability to care for it, not just because you think it would be useful for controlling rodents
Why People Think Cats Are Good At Controlling Rodents
Cats are often considered to be good at controlling rodents, because they are natural predators and rats and mice are often their prey.
Feral cats, which live outside and don’t have owners, often rely on hunting to feed themselves and will catch rats and mice.
However, rodents are naturally cautious, and highly flexible, so can often find hiding places to keep themselves safe.
Additionally, cats leave pheromones and scent clues in their territory, such as their garden or the grounds around the property where they live.
These scent clues are picked up by rodents, and can deter them from entering the area. However, this often doesn’t work when rodents are desperate or when the weather is extremely bad.
Why Cats Aren’t Effective Against Large Rodent Populations
While having a cat might seem like a simple way to keep rodents at bay, they’re often ineffective.
That’s because most domestic cats aren’t skilled hunters, and often struggle to catch fast rodents like rats and mice.
Often, domestic cats only play with their prey, because they are fed at home and aren’t as hungry or desperate as feral cats that aren’t fed and don’t have owners.
Feral or wild cats are an invasive species, and they can cause issues for other wildlife, which is often bad for the local habitat.
Also, rodents often use tight hiding places, and are agile and fast enough to avoid cats, particularly house cats that aren’t skilled hunters.
Rodents, particularly rats and mice, are a serious health hazard, and can cause extensive property damage, so more thorough and effective approach to rodent control is essential.
How Flytech Gets Rid Of Rodents
Ultimately, if you have a rodent problem near your property, then having a cat nearby might deter them from exploring nearby.
However, if rodents are already on your property, or are desperate for shelter and food, then a cat won’t be of much use. In fact, if pet food is stored openly, then it could give rodents a reliable food source and make them more likely to start entering your space.
As such, a proactive, investigative approach is essential. At Flytech, our aim is to identify where rodents are active, how they are gaining access and what needs to change to help prevent their return.
We use inspections, monitoring cameras and targeted trapping programmes, with an emphasis on non-toxic methods wherever practical. Our team can seal entry points, like the ones pictured above, to ensure rodents can’t return.
Because rats live in public sewers, they can sometimes gain entry to your property through its drainage system. If we can’t find an obvious entry point, we can investigate with CCTV drain surveys and recommend the necessary repairs.
Additionally, rodent pests build nests in attic spaces, as they’re often undisturbed and quiet. If this occurs, Flytech can carry out loft clearance to remove contaminated loft insulation and other debris, such as rodent droppings and nests.
Our experienced team understands that every property is unique, and every rodent infestation just as individual, so we provide tailored rodent control services to suit your specific needs.
From identifying the rodent species and their entry points to controlling rodents and pest proofing the area to prevent future infestations, we offer a complete solution to deal with rodents in your home or commercial premises.
To book your site visit and get professional pest control you can rely on, contact us on 07955 008274 or by emailing johnnymorrison79@outlook.com.
About The Author
Johnny Morrison
Lead Technician | Flytech Pest Control Solutions
Johnny Morrison is the Lead Technician at Flytech Pest Control Solutions, a proud second-generation, family-run pest control business serving Northern Ireland.
With years of practical experience and extensive industry knowledge, Johnny has developed a strong understanding of the pest problems affecting homes and businesses throughout Northern Ireland.
Specialising in rodent investigations, pest prevention and long-term solutions, Johnny takes pride in identifying the root cause of infestations rather than simply treating the problem.
Combining traditional family values with modern pest control technology, Johnny is dedicated to delivering a professional, honest and reliable service, built on experience, trust and customer satisfaction.