Black Rat (Rattus rattus)

Black rats are common throughout Europe and followed the Romans to Britain. The rats streamed into docks with European traders, along with cargo. But their death knell began to sound with the move to container shipping and little spillage. There are now none in London, where they were common until the 1950's.

Black or brown in colour, 7 to 10 inches long, with long tails, large ears and eyes and a pointed nose. The body is smaller and sleeker than the brown rat and has smooth fur. They nest inside and under buildings, or in piles of rubbish or wood. An excellent climber that can often be found in the upper parts of structures. The black rat becomes sexually mature at four months, producing 4 to 6 litters per year that can consist of four to eight young each. They can live up to one year. They are very agile and can squeeze through openings only 1/2 inch wide.

Although once the dominant rat species in this country, it is now rare and confined mainly to port areas.

Rats are instinctively wary of traps and bait, and colonise in attics, burrows, under concrete and porches, in small voids and other hard to reach areas.

Rats can harbour and transmit a number of serious diseases. They can also introduce disease-carrying parasites such as fleas, lice and ticks into your business.

• Food Source removal is a key component for successful rodent control.
• Garbage and food should be stored in sealed containers.
• Spilled food and garbage should be cleaned up regularly.
• Outside debris and vegetation should be eliminated - maintain an uncluttered weed-free perimeter of at least 3 feet around buildings.
• Eliminate items such as old equipment, boards, pipes or wood piles.
• Trim any tree branches overhanging buildings.
• Eliminate sources of water such as ditches, stagnant pools and ponds.

• Close all holes in exterior walls
• Permit no openings over 1/4 inch around doors and windows.
• Install self closing devices on doors frequently used.
• Down spouts need a screen on the bottom as well as at the top.
• Beware of openings near the top of buildings, such as roof vents, eaves, attic vents, overhangs and roof-top air conditioning units.

Successful control of rats requires a close understanding of the pest species, it's biology, lifestyle and habits.