RATS

Common Forms:
Brown Rat (rattus norvegicus)
Black Rat (rattus rattus)

Importance:

Rats pose the same problem and dangers as mice, although the general public seem to have a much greater revulsion to rats. The diseases that they transmit include Salmonella and Weils disease and they carry parasites such as Ticks, Fleas, Mites, Ringworm and Tapeworm. Rats also carry a number of diseases that can be transmitted to animals, including foot and mouth in catle and sheep.

Because of their burrowing, rats can undermine foundations of buildings, they can also cause serious damage to drains and sewers. Rats are able to gnaw their way through lead pipes and even metal sheathed cables. Then often attack electrical wiring, causing power failure and sometimes fires. Dead rodents will cause a serious infestation of flies.

Control:
Control is achieved using anti-coagulent rodenticide baits placed throughout the infested premises. Rats are often found outside and would be controlled in the same manner.