CPD VIDEO

In this BPCA Digital Forum session, Sophie Thorogood from Pelsis takes us back to basics with a practical refresher on rodent biology, behaviour, proofing and rodenticide selection.

Sophie explains why rats and mice are so closely connected to human activity, how they exploit our buildings, food stores and transport systems, and why understanding their behaviour is essential for effective control.

The session covers:

• Why rats and mice are described as synanthropic and commensal rodents
• How rodents have adapted to live alongside humans
• Why rats and mice are such capable climbers
• Common climbing routes into buildings, including walls, pipes, vegetation, drains and loft spaces
• Why proofing checks should not stop at ground level
• How rodents gnaw through different materials
• The importance of incisors and why rodents need to gnaw
• How to recognise gnaw marks from rats and mice
• What gap sizes mice and rats can exploit
• Common proofing failures, including damaged bristle strips, gaps under doors and poor service sealing
• Why disturbed gravel, insulation or cladding can reveal rodent movement
• How rural and urban rodent behaviour can differ
• Neophobia and why rats may react differently depending on the site
• How food availability affects movement, breeding and population growth
• Why winter can still support rodent activity in urban environments
• How to choose rodenticides based on site conditions, feeding behaviour and resistance risk
• What rodenticide resistance means and how it is identified
• The importance of formulation choice, including blocks, pasta, grain and gels
• Why bait choice should be based on the rodents, the site and the wider management plan.

Sophie also discusses practical site examples, including proofing defects, signs of active gnawing, use of weld mesh and concrete, behavioural differences between rural and urban rats, and why pest professionals should avoid simply using “whatever is left in the van”.

This session is aimed at pest management professionals looking to refresh their understanding of rodent behaviour and make better decisions on inspection, proofing, monitoring and treatment.

All information is correct at the time of filming. This video is taken from BPCA's Digital Forum 38, 10 June 2026.  

Views of the speakers are their own and not necessarily shared by BPCA.

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