INFORMATION SHEET 02

THE COMMON RAT

~ (Rattus norvegicus)

DESCRIPTION

The common rat is between 20 –27cm in length and weighs around 100 – 500g with an average weight of 335g. It has a tail shorter than its head and body, small eyes, ears and has a heavy build.

Usually brownish grey on its back and grey underneath, it is not to be confused with the Ship Rat (Rattus rattus) found in or near docks, which has larger ears and eyes with a tail longer than its body.

LIFECYCLE

Rat will breed at a very fast rate, especially in suitable conditions, – ample food, water supply and adequate shelter. In these conditions they will breed throughout the year, whilst in less favourable conditions they breed mainly in the summer and autumn.

The common rat can have 4-6 litters per year each comprising of 6 – 11 young.

(24 – 66 young ones a year) Rats are capable of reproducing at the age of about 3 months.

HEALTH CONCERNS

The rat is capable of transmitting disease to humans by contamination of food and by exposure to rat urine in the environment –

THESE DISEASES ARE KNOWN TO KILL HUMANS.

They are also a problem as they cause extensive damage to stored foods. Rat infestation in a building poses a risk as they are capable of gnawing through pipes and electrical wires, and can also damage the actual building and drainage systems.

CONTROL

Please ensure that you follow the recommendations of our technician.

Remove all waste food from the inside and outside of premises and ensure that it is placed in sealable containers.

Ensure that backyards do not accumulate piles of rubbish. Visual signs of rat presence include droppings, greasy smears along walls and gnawing marks.

TREATMENT

CROYDON PEST CONTROL has fully trained technicians to carry out effective pest control treatment. The poisons used by our technicians are not available to the public.

It is important that the full treatment is carried out and this may involve several visits to the premises.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT OUR CUSTOMER SERVICES ON

TELEPHONE NO. 020 8765 1301.

TREATMENT

Treatment, using materials not available to the public as they contain a greater quantity of the active ingredient that effectively kills the rats.

CALL CROYDON PEST CONTROL NOW :

0208 765 1301

Please note that all works are carried out by fully qualified Pest Technicians.