Pest control Thanet – the history of rats

How to identify their appearance?

You will easily be able to recognise the brown rat from its size. It is a lot bigger than the black rat and can appear quite enormous in comparison to the house mouse.

Another identifying feature is its tail. It is roughly the same length as its body, making it seem stubby and out of proportion. Their average body weight is 350 grams (12oz), but they can weigh up to 1,000 grams (35oz). That is a big rat, roughly the size of a rabbit.

The Rattus Norvegicus has a short stubby snout, thick brown body hair and tiny ears.

What do they eat?

They feed on cereals, any kind of meat, bird food, nuts, seeds and fruit. (If you have a bird feeder in your garden, you could be attracting rats. Don’t let the birds suffer by taking it away, just keep your eyes peeled to stop vermin from getting into your home, especially if you have children. If you find any clues, then it’s time to give us a call @ Pest Control Thanet.

How to identify their sound?

If you hear a squeaking or clicking noise coming from the kitchen, then you may have a lodger. They chirp if they are feeling particularly happy, or even to comfort themselves in stressful situations. They also make an eerie laughing sound to communicate with each other, but that is not audible to the human ear.

Diseases

Like many other rodents, the brown rat is no stranger to contamination. They carry many pathogens resulting in illnesses such as Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis) or rat bite fever.  Both of which can prove extremely uncomfortable and dangerous when passed on to humans. The most common way to contract these viruses is through their urine. Symptoms range from mild headaches to severe meningitis or even kidney failure. This is one of the major reasons you need to call the professionals before things get too out of hand.

How to prevent rat problems in your home?

• Never leave rubbish lying around, especially crumbs and food.
• Check light wells and bin stores.
• Check all your drains (call a plumber if need be.)
• If you suspect a rat problem in your garden, then maybe it’s time to remove the bird feeder after all.

Rat Facts

• The rat can spread up to 200 different types of human pathogens.
• Most people are bitten by rats when they’re sleeping at night.
• Most victims of rat bites are children.
• 61% of bites are multiple punctures.
• Rats destroy and consume enough food in one year to feed 200 million people.
• The bubonic plague is still very much alive and kicking in certain parts of the world.
• The house mouse can have at least 150 babies a year.
• Rats produce 50 droppings a day.
• Mice produce 200 droppings a day.
• A healthy and tasty diet for the average snake is a rat.
• Rats teeth NEVER stop growing.

Rats will bite if they are handled or frightened, so Pest Control Thanet advises you not to catch them yourself, but to call a professional pest control Kent company, and let them do it for you. It could save you a lot of pain and heartache in the long run.

Please contact Pest Control Thanet for further advice.