Pest control (2)

Brown rats

Rats however are likely to be found both inside and outside the buildings, and in addition to the risks they pose inside the sheds, they will also represent a significant risk to those living nearby, despite having a lower capacity for reproduction than mice

Rats, like mice, are omnivores but because of their size are able to deal with larger items of food. They have no problem in taking whole eggs, and are as likely to scavenge on the bodies of dead birds as they are on their preferred food of cereals and cereal–based goods. Unlike mice they do need to drink in order to survive, and will consume about 60ml per day, making standing water on and around the site, in gutters and such like, very attractive to them.

Although they will nest indoors, rats are equally happy outdoors, as they will burrow into foundations, beneath concrete slabs and tree roots, and survive very well. Mice typically have a range indoors of something in the order of a three metre radius, between harbourage (nesting site) and food. Rats on the other hand will range anything up to half a mile (and possibly more) between nesting site and food.

In addition to Salmonella, brown rats also carry Weil’s disease, leptospiral jaundice, a potentially lethal disease, and the HSE estimates that there are around 50 cases a year in the UK, going on to say that some of these may have been acquired outside the UK (3).

Although rare, (but probably under–reported) Leptospirosis is still a very real risk, especially where there are very damp conditions or watercourses, and where individuals are continually in close proximity to rat activity … principally workers or nearby residents, and especially if the infestation becomes large or out of control.

We would of course hope that if the proposal goes ahead the applicant will appoint a reputable and competent contractor to monitor and control rodent activity.

If the proposal goes ahead we also hope that the applicant will be compelled to assume responsibility for any rat problems at private dwellings within approximately half a mile of the development, and at no cost to the residents.