Rats
Rats need a good food source, water and somewhere to shelter to survive. It is important that anyone with a rat problem on their land takes this into consideration when trying to get rid of them. If rats are affecting an individual’s property and there is no other proven source, it is the owner’s responsibility to deal with.
Signs of infestation include droppings, gnaw marks, runs, burrows in the ground and smear marks produced by the continual rubbing of their fur against surfaces.
Rats breed quickly and a healthy female can produce several litters a year, with each containing 6 to 11 young. These offspring reach sexual maturity in 8 to 12 weeks, so it is quite easy for infestations to build up.
It is easy for infestations to occur without ever noticing a rat as their nocturnal habit tends to keep them away from human contact. Where rats are seen during the day it is usually a sign of a large infestation.
Rats can transmit a number of diseases which can be potentially fatal to man, such as Weil's disease and murine typhus. They also carry disease organisms such as Salmonella bacteria, viruses and parasites such as worms and fleas. In addition to this, they cause damage to structures through gnawing and burrowing. Problems can range from minor holes in walls and doors and gnawed materials, to structural collapse, flooding and electrical faults and fires.
How to deal with Rats?
The most important step is to remove easy access to food, water and shelter.
- Do not feed wild birds or other animals to excess.
- Do not put any food waste or bird seed down on the ground.
- Use bird feeders and sweep up any spillages.
- Have a good housekeeping system for any outdoor pets, for example, rabbits in hutches or pigeons in lofts.
- Pet food should be kept in sealed containers and any spillages cleared up. Any soiled pet bedding should be disposed of.
- Keep your property in a good state of repair to prevent rats gaining access.
- As far as possible, eliminate gaps under sheds, loose piles of wood and cut back overgrown areas. Keep yards and gardens clean and tidy.
- Do not leave household waste where rats can get at it, make sure all domestic rubbish is kept in a refuse bin.
- Only compost garden waste. Any food waste placed in compost heaps or bins are a potential food source for rats.
- Clear up any dog faeces in gardens or yards as this can attract rats.
f you decide to carry out your own baiting, you must make sure that any rat bait is completely covered up in order to prevent poisoning of other wildlife or domestic animals. Secure bait stations and poison can be purchased from local hardware stores or garden centres.
Please make sure all manufacturers instructions are followed. Any improperly positioned bait can pose a risk to pets and wildlife.