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Rats

Although rarely sighted rats are commonplace in this country and are equally at home in urban and rural environments. They are very active rodents that carry disease harmful to people and can cause damage to property. Any evidence of rats should not be ignored.

Pest Rat

Rats will chew anything they can, including wood, plastic pipes, cables, paper, putty and plaster

They are capable of destroying large quantities of our food through which they can transmit harmful infections like Weils Disease. These diseases can be passed to humans through open wounds after contact with items or water that rats have urinated in or on.

How to tell if you have rats

  • Visual sightings, though these are rare especially indoors
  • Holes or runs under sheds or outbuildings
  • Rat droppings - the size of a baked bean and blackish-grey in colour
  • Scurrying noises, especially at night, in the loft space or behind cavity walls, though more often than not these are likely to be caused by mice rather than rats

What to do if you have or suspect rats

  • Various traps and poisons are available over the counter. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
    OR
  • Call in the professionals. Aberdeensire Council's preferred contractor is Pro-Check Environmental Services Northern Ltd and they can be contacted on 08448 006484 The charge for rat treatment is £36.25

How you can guard against rats

Rats are agile creatures that are attracted by food and unhygienic conditions. The following tips will help to protect you against these unwelcome rodents.

  • Make sure you properly dispose of any materials or rubbish which attracts rats
  • Dispose of stale or rotten food quickly and securely
  • After feeding pets or livestock remove any surplus immediately
  • Keep food in appropriate containers and store on shelves or in cupboards
  • Rats love bird food so use a bird table or feeder
  • Fill in all gaps around pipes and cables that are more than 10mm in diameter
  • Fix kick plates to all outside doors

Description

- Common names - Norway rat, Brown rat, Sewer rat
- Weight - Approximately 300grams
- Length (head plus body)- 200-250mm
- Length (tail) - 150-200mm
- Fur - Harsh and shaggy Brown
- Droppings - About 40 per day 20mm long capsule shaped
- Life span - Nine to 18 months
- Sexual maturity - Two to three months
- Litter size - Eight to ten offspring (maximum of 7 litters p.a.)