Rat Control
Brown Rat, Norway Rat, Common Rat, Sewer Rat - Rattus Norvegicus

So what is the difference between the two types of rat? You will probably never see the black rat as they are very rare, now only found in small areas of Tilbury, Liverpool and Avonmouth. There are physical and biological differences but black rats are so rare we will talk about the brown rat. The brown rat is 30 - 40 cm long including tail, brown / grey in colour and up to 480 gm in weight. Rats are sexually mature at 10 weeks and have a gestation period of 13 days, producing 4-7 litters per year with 6-12 young per litter. What do they eat? Meat, fish, vegetables, grains, just about anything, the only thing they must have is a source of water. Mice can source water from the food they eat but rats needs an actual water source. Rats need to gnaw to keep their teeth in shape and razor sharp. In buildings they will chew wood, cables, pipe work causing immense damage. Rats carry numerous bacteria and diseases including salmonella, weils disease, typhus, ring worm, ticks the list is huge. Rats can be controlled by a number of methods, traps, baits, boards, and gassing. A thorough survey of the site is necessary to decide which method would work best for the situation. The property owner can do a lot to discourage rats, good housekeeping and correct disposal of waste foods is essential. Proofing all entry points around the property will hamper the rats, but remember a rat can fit through a hole a size not much bigger than your thumb.