Fact Sheet
Rats
Everything you need to know about rats and how to deal with them
Description
There are two types of rats seen in the UK, the
Common Rat (or brown rat) and the Ship Rat (rarely
found).
The common rat is the most frequent species found
in the UK. The adult body length is between 200 –
270mm plus a tail 150 – 200mm. Its fur is typically
brownish on its back and grey underneath, but the
colour can vary from white through to black.
Rats will eat food which is intended for human
consumption and contaminate it with hair, urine and
droppings. They also cause damage to property by
gnawing on woodwork, cables, wires and pipes, often
with dangerous results.
The ship rat which is now rarely seen in the UK, is
smaller than the common rat and usually black. It has
large hairless ears and a tail that is longer than its head
and body length.
Habitat
Common rats live in any area that provides food, water
and shelter. In homes, they will live in loft spaces, wall
cavities, cellars or under floorboards. In gardens, they
will burrow into compost heaps and grassy banks or
under sheds. They are commonly found living in sewers.
The common rat will remain close to their nesting site
when searching for food and will eat almost anything
humans eat but has a preference for cereals.
Rats are active mainly at night, but may be seen in
search of food and water
during the day.
Health risk
Rats are a major hazard to health. They are responsible
for the spread of diseases such as salmonellosis (food
poisoning) and Weils’ disease. Some of these diseases
can be fatal to humans.
Signs of an infestation
• Rat droppings average 12mm long and taper at both
ends.
• Runs - rats follow the same routes when travelling
and leave trails through the grass and low vegetation.
• Footprints and tail swipes - on muddy or dusty
surfaces.
• Smears - dark grey marks left on surfaces by repeat
contact with rat fur.
• Burrows - entrance holes are 70-120mm (about
the size of a tennis ball) in diameter in grassy banks,
under tree roots, at the edge of paving or drain
cover surrounds.
• Nests - sometimes found in lofts or under
floorboards.
• Gnawing - rats gnaw continually, even on non-food
material, to wear down their front teeth.
Control
The best method of control is to
prevent an infestation occurring to begin
with.
Page 1 of 2
Proofing of buildings
Rats may only need a gap the
diameter of a fifty pence piece
to gain access. The property
should therefore be rodent
proofed.
Fill in any holes around overflows, sink waste pipes, soil
pipes and cables where services (gas, water, electricity)
enter the house using cement or mortar or other
suitable external filling compound.
Re-point loose or missing mortar in brickwork and
fill in gaps and holes where roof tiles meet the soffit
boards.
Seal outside window and door panels with mastic. Seal
inside window and door frames with general-purpose
household sealer. Cover air vents or air bricks with fine
zinc gauze, fixed securely.
Restricted Harbourage
Rats will set up home in many different areas. They
prefer sites which are undisturbed so remove potential
nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean
and tidy, and by cutting back overgrown areas. Log piles
are favourite areas for harbourage as these are often
undisturbed.
Treatment
Taunton Deane Borough Council provide a service for
treating rats in domestic and commercial properties.
Fully trained Pest Control Officers will survey
the infestation, then place poison bait in the most
appropriate locations. Follow up visits will be made to
ensure the success of the treatment.
Pest Control Contracts are also available for rats and
mice at both domestic and commercial properties.
Our rates are competitive and we believe we provide
an excellent service.
When using pesticides always follow the
instructions on the label.
Limit food supply
Rats will be attracted to a premise by food and water,
shelter, household rubbish, uncontrolled compost heaps,
and bird feeding. Refuse areas should be kept clean and
containers fitted with tight lids.
Southwest One Design & Print (TDBC) 12844/ST/5.2013
It is strongly recommended that if you have seen rats in
your garden you stop feeding the wild birds.
If you require further
information please contact:
Environmental Protection,
Taunton Deane Borough Council,
The Deane House, Belvedere Road,
Taunton, TA1 1HE
Tel: 01823 356337
Email: [email protected]
www.tauntondeane.gov.uk
If you would like this document translated
into other languages or in Braille, large
print, audio tape, or CD please telephone
us on 01823 356356 or email us at:
[email protected]
01823 356356
[email protected]
01823 356356
[email protected]
01823 356356
[email protected]
01823 356356
[email protected]
[email protected]
Page 2 of 2
01823 356356