Rats

Rats are a worldwide pest due to their capacity to cause structural damage, spread disease and to compete with humans for food.

Breeding Habits

Rat populations can grow very quickly because they can breed throughout the year if they have abundant food and mild enough weather. A female rat can have 7 litters of 8 – 10 offspring in a year. Rats can live for up to 3 years, although in the wild their lifespan is about 18 months.

What do rats eat?

Rats will eat almost any food source available including dog mess, their own droppings or each other. They must also drink, so a supply of water is needed.

What to look for?

Rats can live both indoors and outdoors, and the following items are usually evidence that they are living nearby:

• Droppings - the most easily identifiable evidence, usually dark in colour and about the size and shape of a sultana.
• Burrows - Naturally a burrowing animal, rats can live in gardens by burrowing under sheds, into piles of rubbish and compost heaps. The burrow entrance will be 70 – 120 millimetres diameter.
• Smears - these can be found along surfaces where rats have been running. It is a grey/black build up of grease from their fur.
• Footprints - these may be found in mud, dust or flour.
• Damage – evidence of damage to packets of food, electrical cables, gas and water pipes, woodwork and shredded paper for nesting maybe found. Rats must gnaw hard materials such as wood, plastic and soft metals to keep their front teeth short.

What can be done to control rats?

The Council uses poison baiting as the method of treatment. Where poison is used, children or household pets must be prevented from access to the bait.

Do not expect instant results. It can take 3 – 10 days for the rats to die after eating the poison.

Prevention of rats.

To prevent re-infestation by rats and improve the effectiveness of any control by poisoning it is essential the following works are carried out.

• Hygiene - In houses it is essential that good hygiene and proofing be carried out. Any areas where evidence of rats is found must be free from all food sources. This will involve thorough cleaning of food equipment such as cookers, fridges/freezers and microwaves to remove any food debris and spillages. Ensure stored foods such as packet foods, fruit and vegetables are positioned where rats cannot feed on them and if necessary place them in air tight or metal containers to prevent access.
• Proofing – this is the technical term for blocking holes and gaps rats may use. Any holes or gaps must be blocked. For holes fill with wire wool and then hold in place with plaster or filler. For gaps under doors use brush/bristle strips which will also act as a draught excluder.

In gardens it is essential that the following works be carried out:

• Remove food sources.
• Securely store rubbish.
• Bird food – only place bird food where birds can reach it, clean up any spillages and do not leave out overnight.
• Pets – if you keep or have garden pets such as rabbits, poultry or pigeons, make sure that their food is stored securely and clean up any spillages.
• Clean up any dog mess.
• Remove water sources.
• Clear blocked drains.
• Repair leaking taps and overflows.
• Turn any containers that may collect water upside down.

To prevent nesting: 

• Do not let gardens become overgrown.
• Remove disused garden sheds and greenhouses.
• Remove piles of materials such as bricks, wood etc.