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RATS
What do they look like?
Britain has two kinds of rat. They have become well adapted to living in close association with man and may use us for food or shelter.
Brown or sewer rat
- Weighs between 100 to 500 grams
- Has brown fur on its back and is grey underneath
- Tail is shorter than its head and body
- Is found indoors and outside in both rural and urban areas
- Is often associated with sewer systems
Black or ship rat
- Less common, and weighs between 100 and 300 grams
- Has black or brown fur with large almost hairless ears
- Tail is longer than the head and body
- Is confined mainly to port areas
- In Britain, it lives only indoors
Water Rat
The rats described above can also be confused with the Water Rat, which is not a health hazard and is also a protected species.
How do I spot them?
- Rats leave little dark brown droppings, about 20mm long
- They gnaw on wire, wood and soft metals such as lead and aluminium
- The common rat can be found anywhere that offers shelter and food
- They are efficient burrowers and like compost heaps, areas under hedges and sheds where they dig shallow burrows and make nests with dry grass and leaves
- In houses they nest in wall cavities and beneath floorboards
- Ship rats are normally be found indoors, mainly in port areas, but they may be transported inland, with cargo; they are agile climbers and jumpers, often nesting in roof spaces and upper floors
- Both species of rat are active mainly at night but can be seen searching for food and water during the day
How do they affect me?
Rats are a major hazard to health. They spread many forms of disease such as Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease), Salmonella food poisoning, Typhus, Trichinosis, tapeworms. They may eat food which is intended for human consumption. Through their gnawing habit they also cause considerable damage to woodwork, water pipes, electric cables and so on.
How do they live?
Rats live for about a year. During this time a female may breed five times. The average size of a litter is between seven and eight.
How do I control them?
- Ensure that your property is in good repair making it difficult for rats to gain access.
- Rat control requires good housekeeping; rubbish and overgrown vegetation should be completely removed from around the outside of buildings.
- Clear areas which may offer shelter and remove nesting materials such as piles of timber.
- Deny a rat cover and you may well deny it access.
- Remove any sources of food and water. Throwing food out for the birds can encourage rats, so ensure you use proper bird feeders and clear up regularly.
- If you are composting, do not use meat or cooked products.
- Good housekeeping is also important indoors. Loose foods should be kept in rodent-proof containers. Take care that all waste foods are disposed of in a suitable waste bin with a tight fitting lid and not left lying around in bags or sacks.
If an infestation occurs the only consistently effective method of control is the use of chemical poisons. This type of treatment should be carried out by a professional pest control technician.
Will South Cambridgeshire District Council treat a rat problem?
Yes, South Cambridgeshire District Council provides a service for treating rats at a domestic premise. Please visit our Environmental Health Pest Control Fees page for information about the cost of this.
Call our Contact Centre on 03450 450 063 in order to book a Pest Control appointment or to simply to request advice.
