Member Article

Dad invents way to tackle home rat invasions

Homeowners can fight back against an invasion of super rats – thanks to the ingenuity of a worried dad.

Karl Savage was horrified when he found the vermin were getting into the loft of his home, so called out a pest controller.

But when the problem wasn’t solved after two visits and hundreds of pounds being spent, Karl, from Pontefract, decided to take the matter into his own hands.

After researching the issue, he invented a device that has stopped dozens of householders from having their homes invaded. And the clever solution is set to become a hit that will create a successful new business.

Karl’s experience of a rat invasion is being repeated all over the UK with official figures claiming there are between 10.5 million to 80 million rats in the country. Reports have also been made about the worrying rise in ‘super rats’, which are immune to rat poisons.

He said: “It was horrible. I could hear the rats in the loft. There is a stigma around having rats in your house but there isn’t anything to be ashamed of. It’s nothing to do with a house being dirty or clean, rats will go wherever they can to get shelter and food.”

After unsuccessful visits from a pest controller, Karl decided to see if he could find a way to stop the furry foes.

The dad-of-one discovered that rats were using drainpipes to get up to the guttering, where they then nibbled through the plastic to gain access to lofts.

“I realised if I could stop them getting into guttering it would stop them getting into lofts,” explained Karl. “I researched the issue further and found that rats would get into the loft to wait until night time when they can then come out to feed, as they’re are afraid of humans.”

After designing and testing the device at his own home, Karl was delighted that his gadget worked – so the self-employed plasterer and tiler patented the idea and is on the verge of seeing his Vermin Guard business boom.

“Within weeks I’ve sold 1,500 devices locally,” he said. “Many people are installing them as a preventative measure because they don’t want rats in their homes.

“We visited one home where rats had eaten a loaf of bread and then fought in the kitchen, which left blood spattered all over the walls. It was horrific. But since Vermin Guard was fitted the householder hasn’t had a single issue with rats in her house.”

Karl believes his Vermin Guard device will prove a hit with homeowners across the UK, and is currently working on a plan to roll out the device all over the country.

“The problem now is rats are becoming immune to the poisons put down so the only way to tackle the issue is to stop them getting into the house in the first place.

“And whereas pest controllers will charge a lot of money, the Vermin Guard device costs only £15 and is very easy to fit,” he added.

For details about the device, visit www.verminguard.co.uk or call 01977 648623.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Media Consultancy .