Brown Rat

• About rats
• How do I know if I have a rat infestation?
• What harm do rats do?
• How do I keep rats out?
• How do I get rid of rats?
• What will the pest control officer do?

About rats

• Brown rats are between 19-28 cm in length plus their tail which is 60% of the body length, and weigh from 100 to 500 grammes.
• The brown rat is widely distributed throughout the country.
• The ship or black rat is mainly found around port areas, although may be transported inland with cargo. They are smaller than the brown rat and may have black or brown fur, hairless ears and a tail which is more than 100% of the body length.
• The life expectancy of a wild rat is approx 10-14 months during which time a female can breed 5 to 7 times with a litter between 6 and 12 each time. Breeding can occur all year round and it is possible for a breeding pair to have up to 800 young.
• Brown rats are also known as common or sewer rats and are good climbers and can swim very well.
• They tend to stay within a home range of about 15-30m, although they have been known to travel up to 1 km if food is short.

How do I know if I have a rat infestation?

• You are likely to see a rat or its droppings (which are 12mm in length and tapered), though they are mainly active at night.
• Rats need to gnaw even when not eating to keep their teeth sharp and worn. Sometimes gnaw marks can be seen or you may hear them.
• They inhabit nests or burrows which are tunnels 7-12 cm in diameter which are often dug under tree roots or sheds and also into compost heaps.
• Rats leave runs as they tend to follow the same route when travelling. This can be seen as trails through the grass or vegetation and food and tail prints through dust or mud.

What Harm do rats do?

• Rats carry microbial infections. When they gain entry into your home they can spread diseases such as Salmonellosis and Weils disease (also known as Leptospirosis). It is thought about 30% of rats carry this disease.
• They will attack food sources, ruining cupboards full of food through contamination and gnawing. It is estimated that 5% of food worldwide is lost through rodent activity.
• Gnawing can also destroy costly pipes and insulation, as well as creating a fire risk through damaged electrics.

How do I keep rats out?

• Rats will live in any situation that provides food, shelter and water and are commonly found in sewer systems and gardens but also live in lofts, wall cavities and under floorboards.
• Close all holes in exterior walls.
• Ensure there are no openings over 0.5 cm around doors and windows.
• Install self closing devices on doors frequently used.
• Beware of openings near the top of buildings such as roof vents, eaves, attic vents etc.
• They are highly adaptable and mobile, so no property is completely safe from invasion, though there are ways to reduce the chances of your home being invaded.
• Maintain a tidy garden, keeping possible shelter to rats to a minimum. Try to keep compost heaps in good order, sheds secure and cut back overgrown areas.
• Maintain your taps and pipes to reduce water in your garden, also check any sewer covers are fitted tightly and in place.
• Do not leave rubbish where rodents can get at it. A secure shed or sealed bin are recommended.
• Also make sure that any foods left for other pets or animals (eg bird feeders) are unreachable by rats, which are highly agile.

How do I get rid of rats?

• Food source removal is a key component for successful rodent control. Rats eat on average one tenth of their body weight each day - 25 pounds of food per year for the average rat.
• If you suspect a rat infestation has occurred in your property, contact our Customer Service Centre on 01329 236100 who will arrange for a pest control officer to call.
• Treating the infestation in residential properties is currently £20 but from the 1st April 2009 there will be no charge.  Commercial properties are subject to commercial treatment rates. If you are interested in a commercial pest control contract please contact us on 01329 236100 and ask for pest control.
• Traps and bait can be purchased commercially but should only be used in accordance with manufacturers' instructions especially if you have children or pets.

What will the Pest Control Officer do?

• The pest control officers are trained to recognise signs of infestations and will advise you whether there is likely to be a nest nearby or if you have a 'rat run'.
• After discussing the problem with you the pest control officer will often lay bait in a secure location.
• After a few days the pest control officer will return to your property to see if the rat has taken the bait.
• If no bait has been taken, the pest control officer may remove the bait if practicable.
• If the bait has been taken and the pest control officer feels it necessary they will lay more bait and return again.
• Once the problem has been resolved the pest control officer will return and collect any spare bait.
• If they are unable to gain access to the baited area they will leave a card with instructions on how to dispose of unused bait.

Further information can be obtained from:

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (this is an external hyperlink)
• BBC - Rats Ways to Discourage Them (this is an external hyperlink)
• BBC Nature (this is an external hyperlink)

If you would like to discuss any of the above or seek advice on a particular pest control problem please email us at regulatory@fareham.gov.uk or telephone us on 01329 236100.