Brown Rat
(Rattus Norvegicus)
We aim to visit in response to rodent infestations within 2 working days and to resolve them within 3 visits.
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.
Signs of
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.
Significance?
- 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.
Lifestyle?
- 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.
Control?
- 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 subject to a £20 charge (except where the householder is in receipt of job seekers allowance or income/pension support) payable prior to the treatment. commercial properties are subject to commercial treatment rates.
- Traps and bait can be purchased commercially but should
only be used in accordance with manufacturers'
instructions especially if you have children or pets.
Treatment?
- 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:
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.