Poor old rats – they have a bad reputation for being the most unpopular vermin on earth – the ability to spread disease and strike horror among homeowners everywhere. Even “Scabbers”, Ron Weasley's beloved rat in the Harry Potter books turned out to be a villain!
So what is so bad about the common rat and why do we recoil in horror at the mere mention of these rodents? Back in medieval England, rats were thought to have spread the bubonic plague throughout the country and all over Europe, although some historians and archeologists say this is an erroneous claim, and that the spread was too swift to have been caused by rats. It is a fact that the fleas found on rats harbour the disease and were definitely the major cause of the spread of the illness from China, to Europe and beyond.
In modern times of course, our access to antibiotics means such horrific illnesses are treatable, but rats are still associated with disease, unsanitary conditions and uncleanliness.
Prevention is definitely the best cure, and involves being meticulous in the maintenance of both your house and yard. Do not pile up rubbish anywhere, especially against the sides of buildings. Store all rubbish in covered vermin-proof bins and remove weekly. Do not leave grain or dog food in outside sheds unless it is in metal covered vermin-proof bins. Bird and chicken feeders are a good source of easy food for rats, so ensure these are kept as clean and well maintained and vermin proof as possible, and do not let excess food spill onto the ground and leave it there.
Keep your house yard well maintained, the lawns mown and vines and trees clear of the house.
Inside ensure the pantry is pristine – store food in plastic or tin containers, not in boxes, and where possible seal every single hole or possibly access point. Rats are amazing at squeezing through tiny little spaces, so don't take any chances. If you go around your house meticulously sealing off every possible entrance and maintain a clean home with food substances in sealed containers, there is no reason for a rat to hang around.
Search your home for signs of rats- they have similar droppings to mice, only larger. Check linen cupboards regularly for signs of droppings or the distinctive (and disgusting) smell of urine. Once evidence of any kind of rat activity is apparent, act quickly with baits, as for every rat you see there are likely to be at least 10 more you don't! Eek.
Cats are also a great weapon against rats and mice. They are quite unsurpassed in their ability to keep vermin at bay, but if it is a big problem you made need more than one cat, and remember that cats, unless properly managed, can be very damaging to wildlife that we do want around, so please be responsible. Small breeds of hunting dogs such as Jack Russells and Fox Terriers are also reported to be good.
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