Rats
The common Norway or brown rat typically has brownish fur on its back and grey underneath but its colour can vary from white through to black. Adult body length is 200 - 270mm plus a tail length of 150 - 200mm.
The ship or black rat is nowadays rarely encountered in Britain but is smaller than the common rat and usually black in colour. It has large hairless ears and a tail that is longer than its head and body length.
Where do they live?
Common rats live in any situation that provides
food, water and shelter. The common rat is the most widespread
of its species and is widely found in urban and rural areas. In
homes they will live in loft spaces, wall cavities, cellars or
under floorboards. In gardens, they will burrow into compost
heaps and grassy banks or under sheds. They are also commonly
found living in sewer systems.
Ship rats are agile climbers and are usually found indoors,
living in roof spaces. They are rarely found in sewer systems.
What are the signs of infestation?
-
sightings of live or dead rats
-
common rat droppings can be 12mm long and taper at both ends
-
runs – rats follow the same routes when travelling and leave trails through the grass and low vegetation
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footprints and tail swipes – on muddy or dusty surfaces
-
smears – dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeated contact with rat fur
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burrows – entrance holes 7-120mm in diameter in grassy banks, under tree roots, at the end of paving or drain cover surrounds
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nests – sometime found indoors, in lofts or under floorboards
-
gnawing – rats gnaw continually, even on non-food materials, in order to wear down their front teeth
Their favourite foods are cereal products, although they will eat almost anything that humans eat and some that humans don't – including each other.
Most of the damage they do is by gnawing and ripping open packets. They also foul food with urine and droppings.
Why must rats be controlled?
- rats can transmit many diseases to humans, including Salmonellosis (food poisoning) and Weils disease
- rats will eat or contaminate food intended for humans. It is estimated that up to 5% of food produced world-wide is lost as a result of rodent activity
- they can cause damage to buildings and other structures by gnawing and burrowing
How can I tell whether my house is infested with rats?
Signs of a rat infestation can include the
presence of droppings, footprints in damp soil or dust, and burrows
in the ground. Indications of an infestation can include signs of
gnawing.
How can I get rid of rats?
Rats are adaptable, highly mobile and breed
rapidly. This combination makes rat control a difficult task
for the untrained individual. Ealing Council provides a
pest control service for the treatment of rats
in domestic properties. Fully trained pest control officers
will survey the infestation, then place poison bait in the most
appropriate locations. Follow up visits will be made in order
to ensure the success of the treatment.
Ealing Council's pest control service for mice and
rats
How can I prevent an infestation?
Householders can assist in preventing infestation by some
simple measures:
-
remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, and by cutting back overgrown areas
-
stored materials should ideally be at least 19 inches off the ground to make access harder and identification of infestation easier. Products should also be kept away from walls
- do not feed wild birds or other animals to excess – you may be feeding rats as well
- keep your home in good repair so that rats cannot gain access to it. Ensure that the drain inspection covers are in place and are in good repair
- do not leave household waste where rats can get at it. Food and food waste should be stored in sealed containers, including compost bins
- having a good housekeeping system for any outdoor pets, eg rabbits in hutches or pigeons in lofts. Poor housekeeping can easily result in a rat infestation
Note: when using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label.
Leaflets
A leaflet about
rats is available in pdf format.