Rodent Control Methods

Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) infestations are a problem, common to many urban areas, affecting the quality of life as well as damaging the infrastructure plus affecting public health by the transmission of infectious diseases. Cleanliness and the presence of rubbish help rats to live in residential areas. Good hygiene will successfully limit the number of rats that can live in and around the home. External dog pens must be properly maintained to reduce potential rat problems. Removing clutter around homes allows examination for the signs of rats. Good house keeping will not eliminate rats under all conditions, but will make the environment less suitable for them to thrive. The most successful and permanent form of rat control is proofing, by making their access to structures impossible. Preferably, all places where food is stored, processed or used should be rodent-proof.

Poison bait can be used along with trapping (Glue Boards/Traps) to increase the kill; poison may cause rodents to die in inaccessible areas leaving unpleasant odours of rotting carcasses. Remember, re-infestation can occur inside rodent proofed buildings when doors and windows are left open. Re-inspection is necessary to be certain rodent proofing remains effective. This process must be repeatedly evaluated to assure control.

 Description

Signs of Rats

• Holes
• Gnaw marks
• Droppings
• Runs
• Smear marks
• Damaged goods
• Nests

Droppings that are soft when fresh and will be established along well traveled pathways in feeding areas and near the rodent's harborages, Tracks with footprints and tail marks will be found on dusty surfaces, within mud and snow. Urine will be established along traveled paths or in feeding areas. Both wet and dry rodent urine will glow under ultraviolet light (black light). Smudge or rub marks on beams, pipes, walls, pipes rafters and other fittings. Gnawing marks on doors or ledges, in wall material, in corners, on stored material or on other surfaces. There may be Noise in the walls caused by gnawing, climbing, clawing, mainly at night when rodents are active.

Domestic Rats

The life span for the brown rat is typically up to 18 months in the wild, but domestic rats live an average of three years.Brown rats have coarse brown fur, with a pale underside. They have a long tail, which is lightly haired. Originally native to East Asia and Japan, brown rats are now distributed worldwide. They are found all over Britain except for exposed mountain regions and some small offshore islands. Brown rats are highly adaptable and can be found in an assortment of habitats, characteristically near human habituation. Brown rats are omnivorous but favor starch and protein-rich foods such as cereals. Their diet includes vegetables, fish, meat, weeds, crustaceans, earthworms, nuts and fruit. They sometimes hoard food for later. Rats memorize specific pathways and use the same routes habitually. Rats are cautious and if their food is out in the open where it cannot be consumed quickly they will usually carry or drag it to a hiding place. Rats have a very well developed sense of taste enabling them to identify certain compounds, including poisons, at very low concentrations. Rat’s teeth grow up to 12.5 cm per year.

Food Premises

In very sensitive areas indicator blocks (non-toxic blocks) can be used within tamper-resistant bait stations. Internal bait points should be kept to a minimum and reduced once an infestation has been cleared. Fixings to walls and floors are desirable and far safer in production areas.

Away from production areas, boiler rooms, false roofs, etc, are high risk and should be baited. Perimeter baits, if appropriate for the location, should be established. These should be of a fixed tamper-resistant type to give the highest level of protection to the bait.

Site locations will merit detailed reporting systems to include bait plans, COSHH assessments, monitoring reports, and hygiene, housekeeping and proofing recommendations.

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