Rats
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The most common rat found in the UK is the brown or norway rat (Rattus novegicus). The black rat associated with the black death is now rare and usually only found at ports.
The brown rat is generally brownish-grey in colour, with a paler greyish belly. An adult may weigh on average 340g.
The brown rat is a burrowing animal, and will live indoors, outdoors and in sewers. When brown rats are found in buildings it is usually due to holes in the fabric of the building and/or defective drainage. Rats will also emerge from any unblocked sewer, which includes dry toilet bowls.
Rats leave signs of their activity, which help to signal their presence. These signs include:
Sightings
Musky smells* (similar to rodent pet smells such as hamsters)
Droppings (on average 12mm long and spindle shaped)
Smears along walls from greasy rat fur
'Rat Holes'; rat burrows in the earth
Footprints in dust
Gnaw marks on food or building structure
Rats are timid creatures and normally forage at night. They are wary of new objects and tend to run along the bottom of walls, sometimes leaving a characteristic smear.
Exclusion
You can stop rats from entering your property by sealing gaps under doors, sealing holes in brickwork and sealing and maintaining drains (including rain-water guttering). This is especially important at ground or sub-ground level. Holes should be sealed with a hard, gnaw resistant material.
Treatment
Treatment involves assessing the extent of the problem, laying baits or traps as necessary, checking the baits or traps regularly and removing the material at the end of the treatment.
The use of rodenticide is controlled by the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986.
Sometimes more than one treatment will be required to ensure control.
Rats are treated free of charge in all domestic properties, contract rates apply at commercial premises.
If you require treatment for a rat infestation, contact the Customer Service Line.
*It should be noted that on some occasions after treatment a smell may be noticable from the decomposition of the dead body. Where possible bodies will be removed. If this is not possible then the Pest Control Officer may be able to provide advice on where and how to remove the body, although removal is not always possible. The smell from the decomposing body should last for about a week and although unpleasant, is not harmful to health.
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