Rats are some of the most serious rodent pests in the world. They can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis and campylobacter and cause structural damage to buildings by gnawing and burrowing.

 
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.

The water vole, can sometimes be mistaken for the brown rat, particularly near canal or river banks. The water vole is a protected species

Rats leave signs of their activity, which help to signal their presence. These signs include:
 

1. Sightings of live rats.
2. Common rat droppings are usually 12mm long and taper at both ends.
3. Runs - rats follow the same routes when travelling, and leave trails through the grass and low vegetation.
   Footprints and tail swipes - on muddy or dusty surfaces.
4. Smears - dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeated contact with rat fur.
5. Burrows - entrance holes 7 - 120mm in diameter in grassy banks, under tree roots, at the edge of paving or drain cover surrounds.
   Nests - sometimes found indoors, in lofts or under floorboards.
6. Gnawing - rats gnaw continually, even on non- food materials, in order to wear down their front teeth
   Musky Smell from the urine.

Householders can assist in preventing infestation by some simple measures:

1. Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, and by cutting back overgrown areas.
2. Do not feed wild birds or other animals to excess - you may be feeding the rats as well!
3. Keep your home in good repair so that rats cannot gain access to it, by sealing gaps under doors, sealing holes in brickwork. Ensure that the drain inspection covers are in place and are in good repair. Holes should be sealed with a hard, gnaw resistant material.
4. Do not leave household waste where rats can get at it.
    
    

Treatment

1. 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.
2. The use of rodenticide is controlled by the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986.
3. Sometimes more than one treatment will be required to ensure control.

 
Rats are treated free of charge in all domestic properties. There is a charge for treatments at commercial premises. 
 
 
*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.