Understanding Rats
Rats are resilient creatures known for their intelligence and adaptability. They thrive in environments provided by humans, making pest control essential once an infestation is detected.
Types of Rats
Norwegian Rat (Brown Rat)
The Norwegian rat is the most common household rodent globally, growing up to 40 cm in length with a shorter tail. They reproduce rapidly, with up to 10 babies per litter and several litters per year.
Black Rat
The black rat is smaller, up to 25 cm in length but with a longer tail. They have a slender body and large ears, preferring to climb rather than burrow. Like brown rats, they reproduce quickly.
Habitat and Diet
Despite its name, the Norwegian rat did not originate in Norway but likely from China or Eastern Mongolia. They are omnivores, consuming a variety of foods such as cereals, grains, meat, and even chocolate. Urban legends about rats preying on pets are exaggerated, as they are scavengers and generally not aggressive unless threatened.
Behaviour and Reproduction
Rats are social, nocturnal animals that live in colonies. They rarely nest indoors, preferring underground burrows. They have a keen sense of smell and hearing but poor vision. They are known to cause significant damage to structures and agriculture.
Health Hazards
Rats carry numerous diseases, including typhus, Weil’s disease, rat-bite fever, Q fever, and leptospirosis. Their presence can contaminate food and water sources, posing serious health risks.
Damage Caused by Rats
Rats can cause structural damage to buildings, gnaw on cables leading to fire hazards, and destroy flood defences and agricultural produce. Their contamination of food supplies is a significant economic concern.
Signs of Infestation
Common signs include chewed items, droppings, smears along frequent paths, scratching noises, and footprints in dusty areas.
Prevention and Control
To prevent rat infestations, seal any holes or gaps in your property, maintain cleanliness, and consider getting a pet. For existing infestations, effective control methods include using poison, traps, and sealing entry points to prevent re-entry.
Professional Assistance
For thorough and effective rat control, contact BioActive Pest Control. Our team of experts provides safe, eco-friendly solutions to ensure a rat-free environment for your home or business.
